House OKs bill giving students fare discount on all public transportation

Students will soon permanently enjoy the 20 percent discount on fares every time they use public transportation, even on holidays and weekends.

The House of Representatives recently approved on second reading House Bill 8885, which provides for a 20-percent student discount for regular domestic fares of all kinds of public transportation utilities such as public utility buses, public utility jeepneys, taxis and other similar vehicles-for-hire, tricycles, passenger trains, aircraft and marine vessels for the entire time that they are enrolled

The student discount currently covers only land public transportation vehicles, as stated in a memorandum circular issued by  the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board in 2017.

To secure the discount, the student should be able to present a duly-issued and validated identification card or current validated enrollment form supported by proof of identity.

The measure defines a student as a Filipino citizen who is currently enrolled in any elementary, secondary, technical and vocational, or higher education institution.

The proposed law expanding coverage of student discount on fares, however, does not cover school service, shuttle service, tourist service, and any similar service covered by contract or charter agreement and with valid franchise or permit from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

In addition, the discount will not be granted to those enrolled in post-graduate degree courses and informal short term courses namely dancing, swimming, music and driving lessons and seminar-type courses.

The measure also provides that the qualified student cannot avail double discounts, meaning the student cannot avail the 20% student fare discount and the promotional fare imposed by private entities which operate public transportation such as airlines, shipping lines, among others, at the same time or in combination with other discount programs or incentives.