The Coalition of Filipino Commuters (CFC) has urged the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to establish a standardized system for applying government-mandated discounts across all ride-hailing platforms in the Philippines.
These discounts are intended for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities (PWD).
In a statement, the CFC raised concerns over inconsistencies in how various Transport Network Companies (TNCs) implement the discounts. Passenger reports and social media posts reveal that some platforms apply the discounts differently, while others allegedly fail to offer them altogether.
The coalition claims such discrepancies violate the law and disadvantage commuters who rely on these discounts for financial relief.
“The lack of standardization and oversight in implementing these discounts makes it harder for students, senior citizens, and PWDs to access their entitlements,” the CFC said.
Impact on commuters and drivers
The group emphasized that inconsistent discount implementation undermines the purpose of these programs by complicating the process for both commuters and drivers.
- For commuters, the absence of clear, uniform policies creates confusion and denies eligible individuals rightful financial relief.
- For drivers: Inconsistent discount verification systems could lead to fraudulent claims, negatively impacting drivers’ earnings.
“This inconsistency hampers the intended financial relief and complicates the verification process, leaving room for abuse that could unfairly burden ride-hailing operators and drivers,” the group added.
CFC’s recommendations
The CFC called on the LTFRB to take proactive steps to address these concerns, including:
- Standardizing the Discount System: Implement clear and uniform rules across all ride-hailing platforms to ensure discounts are applied correctly and consistently.
- Strengthening Oversight: Conduct regular audits and enforce compliance to ensure platforms uphold their obligations under the law.
- Improving Verification Processes: Develop robust systems to validate discount eligibility without burdening commuters or drivers.
“By spearheading the standardization of discount applications, the LTFRB can ensure equitable access to mandated discounts and uphold the rights of Filipino commuters,” the CFC said.
Growing importance of ride-hailing services
The group also highlighted the country’s increasing reliance on digital ride-hailing platforms. As these services expand, the need for transparent and fair implementation of commuter benefits becomes even more critical.
“Digital ride-hailing platforms are a vital part of modern urban transportation. Ensuring fairness and compliance is essential for maintaining public trust and supporting the financial needs of vulnerable sectors,” the CFC emphasized.
Awaiting LTFRB’s response
As of this writing, the LTFRB has not stated the CFC’s appeal. The group hopes for swift action to address the matter and protect the welfare of commuters and drivers alike.
The CFC’s call for standardized discount implementation reminds us to prioritize fairness and accessibility in the rapidly evolving transportation landscape.
Addressing these issues promptly can relieve commuters and foster trust in digital ride-hailing platforms as reliable modes of transportation.