50% train fare cut starts today

Commuters riding Light Rail Transit Line 2 and Metro Rail Transit Line 3 will enjoy a 50-percent fare discount starting today, as the government rolls out relief measures amid rising fuel costs.

The Department of Transportation said the reduced fares will remain in effect until further notice.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the move is aimed at easing commuters’ expenses while encouraging more people to use public transport.

“Ginagawa ng pamahalaan ang lahat para maibsan ang paghihirap ng mga Pilipino sa gitna ng gulo sa Middle East (The government is doing all it can to ease the burden on the Filipino people amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East),” Lopez said.

He urged motorists to leave their cars at home and take advantage of the discounted train rides.

The fare cut applies to all passengers and will not affect the existing 50-percent discount for white Beep card holders, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and students. For blue Beep card users, the discount will be applied automatically, while those without cards can avail of reduced fares through single journey tickets.

MRT-3 assured the public it is ready for a possible surge in ridership.

“The current operational setup of MRT-3 is ready for any potential increase in passengers, given the recently announced across-the-board 50-percent fare discount,” said MRT-3 press officer Kath Dominguez.

The DOTr noted that the program will not require additional government funding, with the discount instead reflected as revenue loss for the rail lines.

Meanwhile, the agency is in talks with Light Rail Manila Corporation to possibly extend the same discount to Light Rail Transit Line 1.

For now, standard fares remain in place for LRT-1, according to LRMC spokesperson Card Cruz.

“Until further notice, standard fare rates still apply to all LRT-1 operations,” he said, adding that the company is working with the government to help commuters cope with rising oil prices.