The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board
(LTFRB) will intensify its monitoring of public transport operators during the
Undas travel rush, reminding bus companies that failure to grant mandatory fare
discounts could result in the suspension or cancellation of their franchises.
Acting LTFRB Chairman Greg Pua Jr. said millions of
Filipinos are expected to travel to their home provinces to visit departed
loved ones. He urged bus operators to ensure that drivers and conductors
properly apply the required 20-percent fare discount for eligible students,
senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The agency is holding transport companies accountable for
compliance, with Pua directing operators to remind their personnel of their
legal obligations before the peak travel period.
The discounts are covered by three laws: Republic Act 9994
for senior citizens, Republic Act 11314 for students, and Republic Act 10754
for PWDs. Pua also extended the reminder to all public utility vehicles,
recognizing that passengers may use alternative transportation options as
terminals become busier.
To accommodate the expected increase in passenger demand,
the LTFRB has authorized special permits for more than 1,000 passenger buses.
Meanwhile, Land Transportation Office (LTO) personnel
conducted inspections of bus companies in Cubao, Quezon City, as part of
efforts to strengthen road safety during the holiday rush.
The inspection resulted in one bus driver testing positive
for illegal drugs. LTO chief Markus Lacanilao recommended revoking the driver's
license. Authorities also apprehended three buses for using improvised license
plates.
The intensified monitoring highlights two critical concerns during Undas: protecting passengers from unlawful fare practices and ensuring that public transport vehicles and personnel meet safety requirements as travel demand rises.
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