50% discount on MRT-3, LRT-2 fares starting March 23

2026-03-19 - 07:41

MANILA, Philippines – Fares for Manila’s Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) and Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) will be halved starting March 23, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Thursday, March 19. Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez said the move to give the 50% discount responds to rising fuel prices resulting from the Middle East conflict and follows an order from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Commuters, Lopez said, can save a significant amount by taking the discounted train rides instead of using their own vehicles and paying for costly fuel. The 50% discount will apply to both blue beep card holders and white cards for senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWD), and students. The DOTr, however, did not specify how long the subsidized fare will be in effect. The DOTr said it is considering, along with the LRT-1 management, the possibility of extending a similar discount to all passengers. On Wednesday, March 18, Marcos suspended the fare increases for public transport vehicles a day before its implementation, saying “this may not be the right time to raise fares” amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The government is also considering discounts for toll roads. Meanwhile, transport group Piston staged a protest on Thursday over high fuel prices. – Rappler.com