THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has ordered transport network companies (TNCs) and operators of transport network vehicle service (TNVS) to equally absorb the 20% fare discounts for persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and students.

In a memorandum dated March 19, signed by LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo E. Guadiz III, the LTFRB said fare discounts mandated by law and other regulations will not be passed on to drivers by TNVS operators and other transport network vehicle services, beginning April 7.

It said TNVS operators and TNCs will have to equally share the mandated fare discounts.

“The Board resolves as it hereby resolved that the 20% discount availed of by passengers with fare privileges shall be shared by the TNC and TNVS operators strictly,” LTFRB said.

In January, the LTFRB said it is set to release a memorandum ordering TNCs to shoulder the 20% fare discount privileges, following a series of Senate hearings which found that TNCs passed on the bigger portion of the discount to drivers.

LTFRB had also convened a dialogue with 19 TNVS platforms operating in the country to ensure compliance with fare discount mandates for senior citizens, PWDs, and students.

This came after reports of noncompliance with the Expanded Senior Citizens Act and the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, which entitle seniors and PWDs to 20% fare discounts, as well as reported violations of similar guidelines for students. — Ashley Erika O. Jose