DepEd, DOTr launch 50% MRT, LRT fare discount for students

The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) have formally launched a nationwide program granting 50-percent fare discounts for students using the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) systems.

In a statement last week, the DepEd said the initiative will run until 2028, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to help ease education-related expenses.

The fare discount, which began in June 2025, covers students from kindergarten to graduate school, including those enrolled in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) and Special Education (SPED) programs. Beneficiaries enjoy half-price fares on every ride, with no daily or monthly limit.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the measure directly relieves families of financial strain while strengthening access to education.

“Kapag nakakatipid ng pamasahe ang isang pamilya, mas maraming oportunidad para magamit ito para sa mga aklat at educational tool na kailangan nila. Malaking ginhawa ito para sa ating mga estudyante,” Angara said.

The DOTr confirmed that all Metro Manila train lines already implement the discount. Pilot “Libreng Sakay” programs using modern jeepneys and buses are also underway in Cebu and Davao, with more areas expected to be added soon.

“Hindi lang yung discount ang importante. Ang sabi ng Pangulo, kailangan yung experience nila, hindi sila pinapahirapan,” said DOTr Secretary Rex Dizon.

He explained that students only need to show a valid school ID at any station to receive a printed student Beep card. Starting September, special white Beep cards will be issued that automatically apply the discount, eliminating the need to queue for single-journey tickets.

To address complaints of students being denied access despite eligibility, the DOTr has opened a hotline (0920-964-3687) and official social media channels.

The DepEd and DOTr are finalizing implementing guidelines and stepping up public information campaigns to ensure broad awareness of the initiative.

Angara described the program as a concrete step toward making education “less of a burden for Filipino families” and helping more young people complete their studies.

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez also welcomed the initiative, describing it as a tangible measure that eases household expenses while advancing Marcos’ whole-of-government approach to education reform.

“Ang mas murang pamasahe sa MRT at LRT ay ginhawa sa bulsa ng mga pamilya na nagsusumikap na makapagtapos ng pag-aaral ang kanilang mga anak. Magagamit pa ng estudyante ang matitipid niya sa iba pang gastusin gaya ng libro at iba pang pangangailangan sa pag-aaral,” he said.

Romualdez lauded Marcos’ foresight in linking education reform with cost-saving measures, assuring that the House of Representatives would continue to support legislation and the proposed P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026.