20% student fare discount on all public transportation approved

MANILA, Philippines - Students will soon enjoy a 20-percent fare discount on all kinds of public transportation.

 

The House of Representatives approved on third and final reading House Bill 5068 or  "An Act Institutionalizing the Grant of Student Fare Discount Privileges on Public Transportation and for other purposes".

 

The measure provides that students below 30 years of age should present school-issued identification card or current validated enrollment form to avail the discount during schooldays.

 

Filed by Quezon City Rep. Alfredo Vargas III, the measure aims to help improve school attendance records and address the dropout rate.

 

Visit our Bill Tracker to view more measures co-authored by lawmaker.

 

Those who will be refused fare discount may file complaints with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board for land transportation, Maritime Industry Authority and Civil Aeronautics Board for sea, air and water transportation utilities and Department of Transportation and Communications for those riding the Light Rail Transit System and the Manila Metro Rail Transit System.

 

Drivers, owners or operators of public transportation utilities who will refuse to grant student fare discounts will be given penalties such as suspension of driver's license or a fine.

 

Meanwhile, Sen. Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara filed a bill in the Senate seeking to extend student fare discounts not only during school days but also on weekends, semester breaks and holidays.

 

"It is in recognition of the fact that during such days and periods students are returning to their respective communities to assist their parents and at the same time to get their allowances for the succeeding school week," Angara said.