CEBU, Philippines - A city councilor wants transportation officials to see to it that the public utility drivers will give 20 percent discounts to student’s fare when classes formally start.
South district councilor Arsenio Pacaña’s proposed resolution asking the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to hold a dialogue with the owners and drivers of public utility vehicles will be discussed during the session.
Pacaña explained that the policy of granting 20 percent discount for the students, elderly persons and persons with disabilities is aimed at shielding them from the adverse impact or fare increases.
“It has been observed by some concerned commuters that some unscrupulous public utility drivers plying the Cebu City routes are not conscientious in implementing the 20-percent fare discounts to eligible commuters, despite the presentation of their identification cards,” the councilor said.
According to Pacaña it is imperative to once again remind the PUV drivers to give appropriate discounts to the students.
Pacaña said the potential flashpoints between the driver and passengers on fare hike and discount issues would be greatly reduced if LTFRB would hold dialogues with the PUV drivers and operators.
When The FREEMAN interviewed some of the PUJ drivers along D. Jakosalem St. yesterday, some of them also aired their sentiments about the issue.
“Maghuwat ra man mi og pila’y ilang iplete sa mga estudyante namo. Duna man usab g’yuy mga estudyante nga mobayad og pareho ra sa mga ordinaryo nga pasahero. Kadtong mohatag og tibook unya mag-uniporme ug ID, student rate ra g’yud ang among ipaplete,” said Lorenzo Camomot.
While another driver, Lemuel Barriga, of Danao City said: “Dili man g’yud mi makig-away kon ang tinun-an mohatag ra og gamay kon itandi sa mga regular nga pasahero.”
In Cebu City, because the minimum fare rate for the first five kilometers is only P7, the students’ approved fare is only P5.60. (FREEMAN NEWS)