THE LAND Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) XI officially rolled out the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Land-Based Service Contracting Program on Monday, April 27, offering a 20% fare discount to commuters across various routes in the region.
Regional director Nonito A. Llanos III said the program initially involves seven transport cooperatives and corporations operating modernized Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs).
The discounted fares are available during peak hours— 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. — from Mondays to Fridays.
Participating routes
Commuters traveling the following routes via modernized PUVs can avail of the discount:
- Davao City – Baganga (via Mati City)
- Digos City – Malalag
- Digos City – Bansalan
- Digos City – Magsaysay Proper (via Bansalan or Matanao)
- Digos City – Inawayan, Sta. Cruz
- Malita, Davao Occidental – Davao City
To identify participating vehicles, passengers should look for official tarpaulin signage displayed on the front of the units.
Double discounts for priority groups
In a significant move for vulnerable sectors, the 20% Service Contracting discount is stackable.
This means that senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and students will receive their mandatory 20% discount on top of the program’s 20% reduction.
The initiative follows directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., DOTr Secretary Atty. Giovanni Z. Lopez, and LTFRB Chairman Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II.
Director Llanos III emphasized that the program provides a dual benefit. “This initiative is designed not only to provide much-needed relief to our commuters through reduced fares but also to support our Transport Service Entities (TSEs) in sustaining operations amid rising fuel prices,” Llanos said. “We are striking a balance—easing the burden on the riding public while ensuring our operators remain viable and capable of delivering safe service.”
As of Monday, five TSEs have begun operations under the program. Two more are scheduled to start tomorrow, April 28, while another two cooperatives are currently awaiting final approval to join the approved routes.
