By DOTr-CAR Reminds Public Transport Operators to Honor 20% Fare Discounts
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Department of Transportation-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOTr-CAR) has reminded public utility vehicle operators and drivers to grant the mandatory 20% fare discount to students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities (PWDs), warning that those who fail to comply may face penalties under existing laws and regulations.
In an advisory, the agency emphasized that the discount applies to several forms of public transportation, including taxis, buses, UV Express vehicles, modern and traditional public utility jeepneys, tricycles, and transportation network vehicle services (TNVS) such as Grab.
The advisory also clarified when students are entitled to discounted fares, particularly during weekends, holidays, and school breaks.
Students Entitled to Discounts Even on Weekends and Holidays
Under Republic Act No. 11314, or the Student Fare Discount Act, qualified students are entitled to a 20% discount on regular public transportation fares throughout the period of their enrollment.
This means students can still avail themselves of discounted fares on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, provided they remain enrolled during those periods.
However, DOTr-CAR clarified that students who are not enrolled during semestral or trimestral breaks are not entitled to the discount for those periods.
Students may be required to present a valid school identification card or current validated enrollment form to establish their eligibility.
Senior Citizens and PWDs Also Covered
The agency reiterated that senior citizens and persons with disabilities are entitled to the same 20% fare discount under their respective laws.
For senior citizens, the benefit is provided under Republic Act No. 9994, also known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.
Meanwhile, Republic Act No. 10754, which expanded the benefits and privileges provided under the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability, guarantees fare discounts for qualified PWDs.
These benefits cover eligible public land transportation services, including buses, jeepneys, taxis, and other covered passenger vehicles.
Which Public Transportation Services Are Covered?
According to the DOTr-CAR advisory, the following public utility vehicles are directed to honor the applicable fare discounts:
- Taxi services
- Public utility buses
- UV Express vehicles
- Modern public utility jeepneys (MPUJs)
- Traditional public utility jeepneys (PUJs)
- Tricycles
- Transportation network vehicle services (TNVS), including Grab
The advisory identifies these services as covered by the directive, while excluding certain transport categories such as shuttle and tourist transport services from its stated scope.
Passengers should also be aware that the specific rules governing the application of discounts may vary depending on the type of transportation service and the applicable law.
Where to Report Drivers Who Refuse to Grant Discounts
DOTr-CAR warned that drivers and operators who fail to provide the mandated discounts may be penalized in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations.
Passengers who encounter drivers or operators refusing to honor the discount may report the incident through the following offices:
Department of Transportation-Cordillera Administrative Region
3K Building, Swamp, Betag, La Trinidad, Benguet
Regional Franchising and Regulatory Office-CAR (RFRO-CAR)
Pacdal, Baguio City
Complaints may also be submitted through the official Facebook accounts of the Department of Transportation-Cordillera Administrative Region and LTFRB-CAR.
Alternatively, reports may be sent by email to [email protected].
Passengers filing complaints are encouraged to provide relevant details, including the vehicle’s plate number, route, date and time of the incident, and a description of the alleged violation, to help authorities assess their reports.
Fare Discounts Are Mandated by Law
The DOTr-CAR advisory serves as a reminder that the 20% fare discount for qualified students, senior citizens, and PWDs is a legal entitlement rather than a voluntary privilege granted by drivers or operators.
For commuters in Baguio City and the rest of the Cordillera, knowing these rights can help ensure that legally mandated fare discounts are properly observed.
The advisory reiterates existing discount requirements and does not announce a new fare discount program.
Sources
- Department of Transportation-Cordillera Administrative Region, Public Utility Vehicle Fare Discount Advisory (official advisory).
- Republic Act No. 11314, Student Fare Discount Act.
- Republic Act No. 9994, Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, Implementing Rules and Regulations.
- Republic Act No. 10754, Expanded Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability.
- LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 2018-004, 20% Discount for PWDs.
