Starting from October 1, 2024, graduating students can extend concession on their transport cards for an additional four months. This means you get to enjoy the same discounted fares on buses and trains, even after you leave school. Let’s go over the details so you don’t miss out on this great benefit.
Who Can Extend Their Concession?
The good news is that this concession extension applies to a lot of students. If you’re a secondary school, junior college (JC), polytechnic, or Institute of Technical Education (ITE) student, you’re eligible. In fact, about 75,000 students stand to benefit from this every year.
If your student concession card is set to expire on or after December 28, 2024, you can extend it. This extension is meant for those graduating or between different stages of their education. If you’re continuing your studies or transitioning to the next phase of life, this can really help with transport costs.
How Do You Extend Your Concession?
Extending your concession is easy and only takes a few moments. From October 1, 2024, all you have to do is tap your current concession card at any ticketing machine. These machines are available at MRT stations and bus interchanges. If you’re unsure, ticketing staff can assist you at the counters.
Screenshot via PTC
You have until December 31, 2024, to do this. But remember, even if you forget, you can still extend it after that. However, you won’t be refunded if you’ve already paid adult fares during that time.
Why Is This Extension Helpful?
For many students, graduating is a time of change. Whether you’re starting work, preparing for further studies, or simply figuring out your next step, extending your concession gives you one less thing to worry about. You can still travel at lower costs while sorting out your future.
By allowing graduating students to extend concession, the Public Transport Council (PTC) has created a smoother transition for students. It’s a little extra help during what can be a challenging time financially.
What About Future Graduates?
If you’re set to graduate in 2025 or later, there’s no need to worry. Your school will let you know when it’s time to extend your concession card. So, keep an eye out for that reminder towards the end of your studies.
Be Aware of Fare Hikes
While you’ll get four more months of concessionary fares, it’s important to note that there will be a small fare increase starting from December 28, 2024. The Public Transport Council has announced that fares will go up by four cents per journey for students and other groups. Though this is a minor change, it’s something to keep in mind for budgeting purposes.
What Happens if You Miss the Deadline?
If you don’t extend your concession by December 31, you can still do it later. But be aware that you won’t get refunds for any adult fares you’ve already paid. So, it’s best to take action as soon as possible to avoid paying more for transport.
A Simple but Useful Benefit
In conclusion, allowing graduating students to extend concession is a great initiative that makes life a bit easier during a significant life change. If you’re graduating soon, don’t miss out on this opportunity to save money on transport. Set a reminder to extend your concession between October 1 and December 31, 2024, and keep enjoying cheaper fares for a little longer!
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