The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-Northern Mindanao (LTFRB-10) has rolled out its servince contracting program in Cagayan de Oro City, which offers fare discounts to commuters and financial assistance to transport operators.

Under the program, regular passengers are entitled to a 20 percent discount while senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) receive a 40 percent fare discount.

The initiative aims to support both commuters and the transport sector amid rising fuel prices.

LTFRB-10 director, Aljo Bendijo, said operators must have franchises, vehicle registration, active bank accounts, and accredited GPS tracking systems to qualify.

Each modernized public utility jeepney (PUJ) enrolled in the program will receive P40 per kilometer, with up to 100 kilometers subsidized daily.

“Para moapil dapat naa silay valid na prangkisa diri sa LTFRB, na’y OR/CR from LTO then adunay silay active bank account and accredited nga GPS tracking system para mas madali ang pag monitor sa ilaha,” Bendijo said.

Commuters have welcomed the program, saying it helps ease daily expenses.

“Maayo kay mabarato atong pamiliti sa senior 17 na lang kaniadto pagnaog [from PN Roa to Cogon] 21 pasaka [from Cogon to PN Roa] 22 ang senior,” a commuter, Ana Parcon, said.

LTFRB-10 added that more than 500 modernized PUJs across the region are now covered by the program.

The agency plans to extende the initiative to Misamis Occidental next week.

“Ang biyahe alas singko sa kadlawon hangtod alas diyes sa buntag unya alas kwatro sa hapon hantod alas nuebe sa gabie,” Bendijo added.