Students to get Beep cards with automatic 50% discount on MRT-3, LRT-1, LRT-2 starting September

Starting in September, students taking the MRT-3, LRT-1, and LRT-2 may get special Beep cards that automatically apply the previously announced 50% discount on train fares. They, alongside seniors and PWDs, don't need to fill out forms anymore to enjoy the discount.

“Kabilin-bilinan ng Pangulo na dapat ang biyahe ng ating mga estudyante ay mabilis at convenient para hindi sila nale-late sa klase," DOTr Sec. Vince Dizon said. "Starting September, hindi na sila mahihirapan."

The students' cards bear their names and are valid for a year. They may renew the cards annually.

“Pupunta lang sila sa kahit anong station next month, ipapakita ang ID at ipi-print ang beep card right then and there," Dizon explained.

Seniors and PWDs have been enjoying the benefits of the white personalized Beep cards for months. According to Dizon, there's no need for them to renew their cards.

At the same time, the DOTr, in a Facebook post, said students, seniors, and PWDs need not fill out forms to avail of the 50% discount on train fares moving forward.

Dizon noted that a student he had spotted doing so took over a minute and a half.

"Sayang ‘yung oras ng estudyante at ng ibang pasahero,” he said.

The secretary said the DOTr will work with the Commission on Audit to digitalize information-gathering.

The DOTr also vowed to expedite the printing of the white Beep cards, making them readily available at ticket counters instead of requiring passengers to wait for five to seven business days for processing.

The 50% discount for students kicked off last June, while those for seniors and PWDs began in July. The original discount was 20%.

With the new discount in place, the minimum fare for LRT-1 is P10, and the maximum is P28 for an end-to-end line from Dr. Abad Santos Station to Fernando Poe Jr. Station.

On LRT-2, the minimum discounted fare is P8 and the maximum is P18 for a trip from Recto Station to Antipolo Station.

On MRT-3, the minimum discounted fare is P6 and the maximum is P14 for a trip from Taft Station to North Avenue Station.