MANILA – All students must be afforded a 20-percent discount in land, air and water transport fares during their summer break, according to Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara.
Angara has filed Senate Bill 1597, which seeks to expand the coverage of student fare discount in land, air and water transport all year round, including weekends and holidays.
This, according to the senator, would ensure a “more enjoyable” and “economical” summer vacation for the students and their families.
“Hindi na dapat kailangang maghintay ng mga estudyante ng mga promo fare,” said Angara.
Students currently get a 20-percent discount on land transport like jeepneys and buses in accordance with a Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board memorandum circular.
“Nararapat lamang na bigyan sila ng regular discount sa pamasahe sa eroplano at barko para makatipid sa pagbalik nila sa probinsya at pagbabakasyon,” he added.
Senate Bill 1597 entitles all students enrolled in basic and tertiary educational institutions, including technical-vocational schools, to a 20-percent discount on regular domestic travel fares – jeepneys, buses, UV Express vans, taxis, transport network vehicle services Grab and Uber, Metro Rail Transit, Light Rail Transit, and domestic flights.
To avail themselves of the discount, the students should present a duly issued school identification card or a current validated enrolment form.
Students and their families may use the savings they may have for other expenses, such as tuition and school supplies, Angara said.
His proposal “is especially more significant to the indigent and underprivileged sector that rely on public transport services,” said the senator.
Postgraduate students are not covered.
Transportation utilities that refuse to grant the student discount will be fined up to P200,000, stated the bill./PN
