MANILA – The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has summoned bus operator Cemtrans Services, Inc. and a bus driver following reports that passengers were allegedly not given mandated fare discounts.

In a statement, the LTFRB said the operator is covered by the government’s service contracting program, which entitles commuters to a 20 percent discount, and up to 40 percent for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.

The agency said Cemtrans and its conductor allegedly failed to provide the required discount and also did not give the correct change to passengers.

“There is no excuse for failure to provide the necessary discount to all passengers,” LTFRB chair Vigor Mendoza II was quoted as saying.

“We will deal with this and assure all our kababayan, especially those who are availing of public utility vehicles under service contracting, that the LTFRB and the DOTr will fight for your rights by going after those who dare ignore the provisions of this program,” he added.

The driver and conductor have been ordered to attend a hearing scheduled on May 11.

The LTFRB warned that failure to appear and submit an answer will be considered a waiver of the right to be heard and may result in a PHP5,000 penalty.

According to the agency, the case stemmed from a social media complaint involving a trip from Alabang to Ayala, where a passenger alleged that no ticket was issued, no discount was granted, and correct change was not provided.

The LTFRB said the bus operator was also directed to explain why its franchise should not be suspended or canceled for alleged violations of the service contracting program rules.