THE decision of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to allow students to avail of their 20 percent fare discount even during weekends and holiday was a laudable move but lawmakers want to expand it further to cover air, sea and rail transport. AdvertisementsSenate bill 1597 or the Student fare act is now pending on second reading after it was sponsored by Senators Juan Edgardo Angara and Francis Escudero. In order to protect public transport operators and companies from individuals who may take advantage of the discounts, the measure prohibits the availment of double discounts or combination of the student fare discount with other discount programs. Meanwhile, land, water, air and rail transportation utilities that refuse to grant student discount will be penalized with a fine ranging from P5,000 to P200,000. The LTFRB will implement a memorandum which entitles students to a 20 percent fare discount all year round including weekends, summer breaks and holidays.

Source: Manila Times October 27, 2017 06:45 UTC