LTFRB to standardize guidelines for special passenger discounts on ride hailing platforms

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board on Wednesday disclosed that a memorandum circular would be issued to standardize the enforcement of discounts for students, persons with disabilities (PWD), and senior citizens across ride-hailing platforms.

LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said the memorandum circular will be issued by the end of January.

In a hearing, Guadiz said the memorandum circular would clarify the conflicting memoranda issued in the past, which have led to the inconsistent implementation of special discounts by transport network companies.

Guadiz said the guidelines would also clarify who will bear the cost of the special discounts.

“We hope to correct this until the end of this month. Asahan ninyo pa na isasaayos po namin ‘yung pagpapatupad,” Guadiz said in a press release.

(Be assured we will fix the implementation.)

Guadiz said the memorandum circular would designate TNCs and operators as the primary entities responsible for covering the costs associated with the special discounts.

He said this would ensure that drivers are not burdened with the said expenses.

Grab Philippines, meanwhile, commended the LTFRB for its definitive action on the standardization of the implementation of special discounts.

“Grab has consistently supported the commuting public and the government in ensuring that passengers receive these discounts properly,” said Grab Philippines Head of Public Affairs Gio Tingson said.

“We extend our gratitude to the LTFRB and Senator Tulfo's office for finalizing the implementation of these special discounts with clear guidelines,” Grab added. —Anna Felicia Bajo/RF, GMA Integrated News