‘Postgrad students not covered by fare discount’ – LTFRB

• The LTFRB says that postgraduate students are not covered by student discounts


• The agency clarifies that student discounts are only covered by a memorandum circular and not by law


• The statements rise after a female passenger and a bus conductor went on a heated argument on the matter

The Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has clarified that while student discounts are currently being offered in public utility vehicles (PUVs), postgraduate students, such as those studying in the master’s and doctoral levels, are not covered by the same privilege.

In an article written by Erika Sauler for Motion Cars, it was disclosed that the LTFRB has made the statement after a 28-year-old woman and a public utility bus conductor went on a heated argument after the latter has denied giving a 20 percent discount to the lady passenger.

According to LTFRB Board Member Ariel Inton, a conductor from a Malanday Metro Link bus has asked for the passenger’s student identification card, but the woman was not able to present the demanded proof of enrolment.

The woman, who is a travel process associate by profession, also claims that the conductor told her that it was too late in the evening for a student discount to be granted since it was already 11 p.m. when she boarded the bus in Mandaluyong City.

A local police report also states that both the conductor and the passenger have complained about being hit by the other in the midst of their argument; prompting the LTFRB to schedule an immediate hearing of the case on February 24.

However, only the conductor was able to attend the hearing and the complaining passenger has failed to appear before the public transportation board.

In his statement, the Malanday Metro Link employee has denied hitting the female passenger during the argument and has even presented another passenger who happened to be on the same trip as his personal witness.

According to Inton, it is very likely that the case will be dismissed since based on the gathered information, it was established that the passenger was unable to prove her status as a student.

The LTFRB official has further reminded the public that while the discounts for senior citizens and persons with disabilities are mandated by law, student discounts are merely covered by a memorandum circular issued by the agency.

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