LTFRB warns parents vs school bus rate hike

MANILA, Philippines - Officials of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board cautioned parents against unscrupulous school bus service operators, who might take advantage of the opening of classes and unilaterally increase their rates.

LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez said school service operators cannot just increase their rates without the permission of the board. Lawyer Roberto Cabrera III, board executive director, said a memorandum circular issued in 2005 prescribes the “fixed rates” among school services.

“The rates should be as uniform as possible and should be approved by the board,” Cabrera said during a press conference. “If there is such a sudden increase from the previous rates, the parents could actually question it.”

In such cases, the parents may file complaints before the board so the latter could issue show-cause orders to the concerned school services operators, the LTFRB officials said.

He said parents may send the LTFRB questions on school bus rates through the agency’s Twitter account, @LTFRB_Official.