A bus operator and its crew now face scrutiny from transport regulators after a reported refusal to grant mandated passenger discounts under the government’s service contracting program.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Thursday summoned Cemtrans Services, Inc. and a driver following allegations that passengers were not given the required fare reductions, including student, senior citizen, and persons with disabilities (PWD) discounts.
Under the service contracting program, passengers are entitled to a 20 percent fare discount, while students, seniors, and PWDs are entitled to 40 percent off.
LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II said there is no justification for non-compliance with the policy.
“There is no excuse for failure to provide the necessary discount to all passengers,” Mendoza said.
He added that the agency, together with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), will pursue accountability against operators who disregard the program’s rules.
“We will deal with this and assure all our kababayan, especially those who are availing of public utility vehicles under service contracting, that the LTFRB and the DOTr will fight for your rights by going after those who dare ignore the provisions of this program,” he said.
The LTFRB said Cemtrans and its conductor were directed to attend a hearing set on May 11.
The agency warned that failure to appear or submit a formal response will be treated as a waiver, which could lead to a penalty of P5,000.
According to the LTFRB, the case stemmed from a complaint posted on social media involving a trip from Alabang to Ayala, where a passenger alleged that no discount was applied, no ticket was issued, and correct change was not given.
“Based on the complaint, the bus conductor did not issue a ticket, did not provide the discount, and did not even bother to give the correct change,” the LTFRB said.
The operator has also been ordered to submit a written explanation as regulators assess possible suspension or cancellation of its franchise for violations of service contracting rules.
Photo courtesy of Radyo Pilipinas
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