By Brian Campued
Almost a month after he ordered the implementation of a higher discount on train fares for students, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced that senior citizens and persons with disability (PWDs) can now get a 50% discount in all Metro Manila rail lines beginning Wednesday.
In a short message during the launch of the new fare discount at the Santolan–Annapolis Station of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), the President said approximately 13 million senior citizens and 7 million PWDs are expected to benefit from the 50% discount on MRT-3 as well as Light Rail Transit Lines 1 (LRT-1) and 2 (LRT-2).
“Kaya alam naman natin ang mga estudyante, ang PWD, mga senior citizens ay talaga naman eh kailangan ng tulong natin dahil very limited ang kanilang income. Kaya naisip namin ito’y maaari nating gawin upang tulungan ang ating mga commuter na PWD at ‘yong mga senior citizen,” he said.
The higher discounted rates on train fares are in fulfillment of Marcos’ goal to help ease the financial burden of Filipino commuters, according to Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon.
“‘Yan talaga ang bilin ng Pangulo, na siguruhing laging napa-prioritize ang kapakanan ng mga senior at PWD. Itong 50% discount sa pamasahe sa tren, maliit na bagay lang ito para gawing mas abot-kaya ang public transportation sa ating priority sectors,” Dizon said.
To avail the 50% discount, senior citizens and PWDs only need to present their identification cards at ticket counters. It will then automatically be applied using their registered white Beep cards or single journey tickets.
Similar to the student discounts, senior citizens and PWDs are entitled to the higher discount rates until 2028.
In celebration of the 2025 National Disability Rights Week, MRT-3 and LRT-2 are also offering free rides for all PWDs from July 17 until July 23 from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Onboard the ‘Dalian Train’
In his speech, the President also shared that at least three “Dalian” train sets are now ready for deployment, in line with his goal to improve commuter services through inclusive and sustainable public transport.
According to Marcos Jr., the government procured a total of 48 light rail vehicles from Chinese firm CCRC Dalian Co. in 2014, but remained unused due to technical compatibility issues with the MRT-3 system.
“Sampung taon nakaparada ito eh, hindi nagamit. Ngunit ngayon ay nagagamit na natin at iyan ang ite-testing natin ngayong araw,” Marcos said before joining the first batch of passengers on the inaugural trip of the Dalian train.
“Kaya ang ginawa natin ay binalikan natin itong mga ito at tiniyak natin na kung anuman ang kailangang gawin para magamit ang Dalian train na ito ay gawin na natin,” he added.
The Chief Executive likewise assured that safety and security checks will be conducted in order to deploy the rest of the train sets.
-jpv
