Transport group opposes student discounts on holidays, weekends

The top official of National Confederation of Transport Workers Union-Visayas described the giving of 20 percent discount to students even on Sundays and holidays as mere politicking on the part of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

"Klaro man nang pamulitika. Ang youth sector gud ang target ana," said NCTU-Visayas national vice president Romeo Armamento said. (That's clear politicking targeting the youth sector).

Armamento did not elaborate but there are reports that LTFRB chairman Martin Degra III is planning to run for a Senate post.

"Unya kanang mga istudyante nga magouting ug kanang mangaligo, apil pud na sila hatagan sa discounts? Ilaha unta nang klaruhon," said Armamento. (How about those students who are going to the beach, are they entitled to get discounts?)

LTFRB-7 Regional Director Ahmed Cuizon explained that students should be given discounts wherever they are going.

"Yes, they are still entitled to a 20 percent discount because they are students," said Cuizon.

Last October 11, the LTFRB board headed by Delgra issued a new guidelines which mandated that the 20 percent student fare discount can be availed of from Monday to Sunday including summer breaks, legal and special holidays starting October 28, 2017.

The memorandum circular however stated that only students up to the undergraduate level can avail of the discount but post-graduate students such as students studying medicine, law, masters or doctorate degrees, cannot enjoy the privilege.

Cuizon said that in Cebu, since the minimum jeepney fare is P6.50, the student will only have to pay P5.20.

Aside from the students sector, persons with disabilities and senior citizens are also entitled to a 20 percent fare discount.

Palaubsanon/MBG