PTC to look into extending concession fares for graduating students

Move will help those in transition before entering new education phase or workforce

- Lee Nian Tjoe, Therese Soh

The Public Transport Council (PTC) will look into extending concessionary fares to graduating students for the transition period before they enter their next stage of education or join the workforce.

Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat wrote on Facebook on May 28 that he has asked the PTC to look into this as part of the 2024 fare review exercise, following feedback from parents and students.

Currently, students leaving secondary schools, for instance, qualify for concessionary fares for only the first month after they graduate.

For those entering polytechnic, where the academic year starts in April, they face a two-month period in which they have to pay adult fares.

Mr Chee said the move, if eventually rolled out, will also help other groups of students, like those from the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) going to polytechnics, or secondary school students going to ITE.

"We are also open to include graduating students who are joining the workforce, as the transition can provide them some temporary support before they start work," Mr Chee continued.