Students’ train fares cut 50%, seniors next
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Friday said it raised to 50 percent from 20 percent the discount rate for all students using Light Rail Transit (LRT) 1 and LRT 2, as well as Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3, as the new school year began this week.
The increase of the discount was the response of the DOTr and train operators MRT Corp., LRT Administration and Light Rail Manila Corp. to President Marcos’ recent order to help lower student’s expenses during the school year.
“It’s a big help to families, especially to parents struggling to send their children to school. What they will save (due to the 50-percent fare discount), they can allot to other expenses like projects, additional allowance or other expenses at school,” Transportation Secretary Vivencio Dizon said during a program at the LRT 2 Antipolo Station where he announced the increased discount.
He said many students using LRT 2 in particular would benefit from the increased discount as the train system leads to and from the University Belt area in Manila.
“It’s better that the benefit will go straight to the students’ and their families’ pockets,” he added.
The DOTr chief said the 50-percent discount program will last until 2028.
It will be implemented daily, even during Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, and will also apply to postgraduate students.
The discount is valid only for single journey tickets the students must purchase at the ticket counter of the station.
Mr. Marcos said besides the 50-percent fare discounts for students, he is also considering to include senior citizens.
In the second episode of his “BBM Podcast” uploaded Friday, Mr. Marcos said he drew inspiration from how other countries extend generous transport benefits to these two vulnerable sectors.
“Everywhere I go, seniors and students get large discounts—up to 50 percent,” he said. “Students usually don’t have much money. And the elderly? They’ve already served the country. Why are we still making them pay so much? They deserve a little benefit,” he added.
The announcement comes as the administration continues to face public complaints about the quality of rail services, particularly on the MRT 3.
Mr. Marcos acknowledged the problems of overcrowding, delays and extreme heat that regular commuters endure daily.
“I know how hot and crowded it can get,” he said, recounting his own recent ride on the MRT.
“Sometimes, you get in and you can’t even move your arm,” he added.
He stressed several immediate interventions are underway to improve the commuting experience: increasing the number of train cars, running trains more frequently, removing redundant security checks and expanding the use of cashless payments.
‘3+1’ Sunday promo
The announcement of the fare discount program came after the launch of the “3+1” Sunday promo that allows four passengers to ride Metro Manila trains for the price of one ticket.
It is aimed to encourage family bonding through public transport.
Asked if the promo could be made daily, Mr. Marcos said it will remain exclusive to Sundays for now.
“Sunday is family day,” he said. “That’s what we’re trying to encourage.”
