PUV drivers reminded to give students fare discounts

MANILA, Philippines - Drivers and operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs) should give students 20-percent fare discounts now that classes have started or face sanctions, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said Wednesday.

Board member Manuel Iway said ordinary buses can only charge students P8 of the P10 minimum fare, while jeepneys may have to charge P1.60 less than the P8 minimum fare.

“These discounts also cover taxicabs,” he added.

According to Iway, the discounts are provided for under Memorandum Circular 2011-004, which states that PUVs shall grant discounts to students during schooldays. This covers all students from pre-school up to those in college and technical-vocational courses.

Iway said first-time offenders will be fined P2,000. For the second offense, violators will have their franchise suspended for 60 days and be fined P3,000.

As for the third offense, violators will have their franchise cancelled and be fined P5,000.