Transport groups in Bacolod City are opposing the memorandum circular of the LandTransportation Franchising and Regulatory Board ordering drivers to give discounted fare rates to students during weekends.

United Negros Drivers Operators Center chairman Ramon Gallano yesterday said they are willing to follow the fare matrix for Negros Occidental but the discounted rates for students on weekends is unfair.

He said it is alright if students will pay the P6 but others are taking advantage of it.

Sentrong Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators-Negros secretary general Jesse Ortega said, the LTFRB order is making all drivers sacrifice their income.

He said the discounted fare for students, senior citizens, and disabled persons is a program of the government but this should not be done at the expense of the drivers.

Instead, the government should subsidize the program particularly on the part of the drivers to help them in their income, Ortega said.

He added that most of their passengers are students and if they will collect the discounted fare during weekends and holidays, their income will be affected as well.

LTFRB-6 Director Romulo Bernardes, however, said they are ordering all drivers in Western Visayas to comply with the memorandum.

He said drivers should ask for student identification cards during weekends to grant the discounted fare.

Regular fare for Negros Occidental is P7.50 for the first five kilometers and P6 for the students, senior citizens, and disabled person. *LTG

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