Republic Act No. 11314 guarantees a 20% fare discount to students taking land public utility vehicles, not just on school days but also during weekends and holidays, for as long as they are enrolled in the current academic term.
To avail of the discount, students must present a valid school identification card or a current validated enrollment form issued by their educational institution. It is important to note that this privilege is exclusive to students in elementary, secondary, technical-vocational, and higher education levels, excluding those enrolled in post graduate degree courses, informal short-term courses, and seminar-type courses.
The discount applies to all public transportation utilities such as, but not limited to, public utility buses (PUBs), public utility jeepneys (PUJs), taxis and other similar vehicles-for-hire, tricycles, passenger trains, aircrafts and marine vessels. It does not cover school service, shuttle service, tourist service, and any similar service.
In cases where a driver or operator refuses to honor the student discount, students are not without remedy. They may report the incident to the appropriate government agency, such as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for franchised PUVs, or the local government unit for tricycles and other locally regulated transport. Complaints should include relevant details such as the vehicle's plate number, date and time of the incident, and supporting evidence, such as a photo or video, if available.
Violations of the Student Fare Discount Act carry specific penalties. For drivers, repeated refusals to honor the discount can lead to license suspension and monetary fines. For operators, escalating fines and even cancellation of their Certificate of Public Convenience may be imposed for continued non-compliance. These penalties serve as a clear message that the law is not optional and that the rights of students to accessible and affordable transport will be protected and enforced.
If you have questions about enforcement of students' rights, our Pampanga, Clark, and Tarlac lawyers from Cunanan Law Office can provide expert advice and representation. You can contact the lawyers through inquiries@mpeclaw.com, or at (+63)976 385-6705.