12/12/2024
Commuter Group Urges for Standardized TNVS Implementation on Special Discounts
Ira Panganiban, Chairperson of CFC
The Coalition of Filipino Commuters (CFC) calls on the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to enforce a uniform application of government-mandated discounts for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities across all digital ride-hailing platforms, commonly referred to as Transport Networking Companies (TNCs).
This is in response to numerous reports from concerned passengers and a surge of social media posts indicating that current ride-hailing services in the Philippines — including Grab, InDrive, Angkas, Maxim, Joyride, and MOVE IT— are implementing these discounts in various means. Some platforms allegedly fail to offer the discount on their apps altogether, which constitutes a flagrant violation of the law and an exploitation of commuters.
The CFC underscores that the lack of standardization and oversight in discount implementation makes it more challenging for Filipino students, senior citizens, and PWD commuters to access the discount. Furthermore, the inconsistency in the implementation not only hampers the intended financial relief but also complicates the verification process, potentially leading to fraudulent claims that could adversely affect driver earnings.
As digital ride-hailing continues to gain traction in the Philippines, the CFC emphasizes the urgent need for the LTFRB to scrutinize all ride-hailing platforms meticulously. By spearheading the standardization of discount applications, the LTFRB can ensure equitable access to mandated discounts and uphold the rights of Filipino commuters.
