Student Train Fares Cut in Half; Senior Discounts May Follow
TRAIN FARES – Student commuters are now enjoying a 50% discount on train fares as part of a government initiative to ease school-related expenses.
As the new school year kicks off, students commuting via Metro Manila’s rail systems are getting much-needed financial relief. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that it has increased the fare discount for students from 20 percent to 50 percent across the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Lines 1 and 2, as well as Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3.
The measure is in response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent directive aimed at easing the financial burden on students and their families. In a formal program held at the LRT 2 Antipolo Station, Transportation Secretary Vivencio Dizon emphasized the positive impact of this initiative.
“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,” Dizon said.
The secretary noted that the LRT 2 line, in particular, serves many students because it connects to 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 50-percent discount program will be in place until 2028, offering long-term benefits to students. Unlike previous schemes, this new discount is available every day, including weekends and holidays, and extends to postgraduate students as well.
To avail of the discount, students must buy single journey tickets directly from station ticket counters. The policy, however, does not yet cover stored-value or reloadable cards.
President Marcos also hinted at expanding the program to include another vulnerable sector. Marcos said besides the 50-percent fare discounts for students, he is also considering to include senior citizens.
With this development, the DOTr is not only addressing the current financial strain on young commuters but also showing readiness to extend the same support to elderly passengers in the near future.