When I was in college, drivers would scratch their head and complain after I hand over a discounted fare. I attended a university with a trimestral calendar. Our classes started as other kids dived deep into vacation mode, and this apparently confused drivers used to giving discounts only when June began. But this will no longer be the scenario soon.

Yesterday, the Senate enacted a bill making the 20 percent student fare discount for students from elementary to college or technical vocational level permanent all year round, even on weekends and holidays.

Although discount is often applied to jeepney, tricycle, and bus fare, this benefit also covers other forms of transportation including the LRT and MRT, taxis, and transport network vehicle services like Grab.

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Those who use transport network vehicle services like Grab, the application for the student fare is done online. You simply need to fill out an application form and submit a scanned copy of your student ID.

Airlines and passenger ships are also required to provide the fare discount for domestic flights. If flying abroad for exchange programs, competitions, and workshops, you will be exempt from travel taxes as long as you provide proof or official documents for the overseas trip.

Students pursuing post-graduate studies will not be covered by the bill.

Transport companies that refuse to comply with the law will face penalties.

As Senator Sonny Angara, one of the proponents of the bill said in a statement, This will be more significant to the beneficiaries belonging to the indigent and underprivileged sector that rely on public transport services.” But if in case you are privileged enough, I guess it wouldn’t hurt your pocket to pay your fare in full. After all, they, small-scale drivers in particular, have mouths to feed as well.

Art by Julia Cruz

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