Manila: The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) have formally rolled out a nationwide program granting 50-percent fare discounts for students on the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) train systems. In a news release on Thursday, the DepEd said the initiative will run until 2028, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ease education-related expenses.
According to Philippines News Agency, the fare discount, which took effect in June 2025, applies to students from kindergarten to graduate school, including those in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) and Special Education (SPED) programs. Eligible students receive a 50-percent discount on every train ride, with no daily or monthly limit.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the significance of the fare cut, stating that it provides direct relief to families and boosts 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 (When a family saves on transportation costs, there are more opportunities to use that money for books and educational tools they need. This is a big relief for our students),’ he added. Angara vowed to ensure awareness about the initiative among schools and parents nationwide.
The DOTr confirmed that all Metro Manila train lines already implement the discount, and pilot ‘Libreng Sakay’ programs are underway in Cebu and Davao, using modern jeepneys and buses along select routes. More areas are expected to be added soon. ‘Hindi lang yung discount ang importante. Ang sabi ng Pangulo, kailangan yung experience nila, hindi sila pinapahirapan (It’s not just the discount that matters. The President said their experience should not be burdensome),’ DOTr Secretary Rex Dizon said.
To avail of the discount, students need to present a valid school ID or enrollment form. Beginning in September, special white Beep cards will be available at train stations, which will automatically apply the discount, eliminating the need to queue for single-journey tickets. The DOTr is tracking student ridership through Beep card data, and a hotline (0920-964-3687) along with official social media channels are open for complaints, especially in cases where students are denied access despite eligibility.
The DepEd and the DOTr will jointly finalize implementing guidelines and enhance public information efforts. Angara described the initiative as a concrete step in making education ‘less of a burden for Filipino families’ and allowing more young people to complete their studies.
