Interchange Blog
No rate hikes for school bus operators
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Friday warned school bus service operators against jacking up their fees.
At the same time, school bus operators were reminded to follow strict safety requirements before they ply their routes.
In a press conference in Quezon City, newly-installed LTFRB Chairman Atty. Winston Gines warned that school service operators should not to take advantage of the opening of classes to increase their rates, especially without the approval of the Board.
Gines emphasized that as far as the agency is concerned there is an existing Memorandum Circular (MC) since 2005 standardizing the school service contract or fare.
Gines said any public utility vehicle (PUVs) that are used to ferry students must first file a formal fare hike petition before the LTFRB.
“And we been known by the public that any petition of fare hikes is subject for public hearing before it was approved by the Board,” Gines stressed.
He, however, hinted that its about time for the LTFRB to revisit and review the content of the existing MC to check and verify whether operators have been following its guidelines by the book.
Gines also reminded school service operators that safety requirements include the installation of protective grills on the windows of their vehicles, a portable fire extinguisher and working doors.
These should always be observed to protect school children while traveling to and from their school.
Gines encouraged parents to contact the agency if they have complaints against any particular school service operator.