MANILA (April 14) — Senior citizens will receive a 40 percent fare discount on selected public utility vehicles (PUVs) starting April 15, under a government subsidy program aimed at easing the burden of rising transport costs.
Senior Citizens party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes said the expanded benefit applies to routes covered by the Department of Transportation’s net service contracting program, which currently spans 823 routes nationwide.
The discount combines the existing 20 percent fare reduction mandated by law with an additional 20 percent subsidy, effectively doubling the benefit for senior passengers.
The program covers traditional and modern jeepneys, UV Express vans, city buses, and the EDSA Carousel.
Relief amid rising costs
The expanded subsidy comes as the country continues to grapple with elevated fuel prices driven by global supply disruptions, which have significantly increased operating costs for transport groups and reduced income for drivers.
In recent weeks, some jeepney operators have cut trips or temporarily stopped plying routes, citing unsustainable fuel expenses—raising concerns about reduced mobility, particularly for vulnerable sectors such as senior citizens.
The net service contracting program allows the government to subsidize transport operations directly, ensuring that routes remain operational while cushioning both commuters and operators from price shocks.
Sustainability questions
While the additional discount offers immediate relief, it also raises questions about the long-term sustainability of subsidy-driven transport support.
Ordanes noted that the program is also designed to assist drivers and operators—some of whom are senior citizens themselves—by stabilizing income through government payments.
Still, transport advocates have pointed out that subsidies, while necessary in the short term, must be complemented by broader reforms, including fuel cost management, route rationalization, and more resilient public transport systems.
For now, the expanded discount provides a critical buffer for senior citizens navigating daily expenses, even as the transport sector continues to adjust to ongoing economic pressures.
