Close Call!!

I'm a student, I should get student rates too!

Being a student I still get to enjoy the benefits of student or concession discounts, except when it comes to traveling around Australia.  For whatever reason the Australian government feels that international students should not be allowed to enjoy this benefit of getting discounted rates on buses, trains, etc. My personal opinion of why the government does this is that international students are more likely to travel so they (Aussie Gov) will get more money if they don't allow international students concessions on travel. In order to get the rate you have to be an Australian student with a special sticker on your ID which you get through the school. 

Even though I am an international student I still buy the "concession" rate bus tickets. Before you judge, let me tell you they are half the price of the full fare tickets.  For someone who pays a ton to attend school over here, and who also doesn't have a steady income I think it is only fair to get the student rate.  I am a student, it only makes sense.

Anyways, yesterday I got on the bus from Uni to make my way home.  I dipped my student bus ticket and sat down.  As I sat down I saw three transportation officers run to get on the bus to fine anyone not using the right ticket.  I freaked out.  The fine is around $200 and I really didn't want to get one.  I got to the front of the bus to get off right as one got on.  He asked to see my ticket and student card.  I felt the fine coming my way, then he told me I need to go get my sticker from the University.  I got off the bus, ran and purchased a regular ticket, and made my way home with no fines.  I was lucky, but I might not be next time. Maybe I should save myself the hassle and start purchasing full fare tickets. 

Or better yet, maybe I should find someone to get me a sticker for my ID!!