Since millions of students returned to school starting in June, Senator Raffy Tulfo has received mounting complaints regarding the slow and inefficient validation process for students availing fare discounts at Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) stations.
Tulfo, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services, immediately directed his Senate team to conduct on-site inspections at various LRT and MRT stations and to interview students about their firsthand experience in availing of the fare discounts.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has begun implementing the increased 50% fare discount (up from the previous 20%) for students riding LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3. However, despite this significant benefit, some students choose not to avail of it due to the time-consuming and inconvenient process.
Several students shared that they were asked to present a printed enrollment record at the ticket counter if their student ID does not indicate the current school year.
In addition to showing their IDs, students are also required to fill out a form with their name, school, ID number, signature, and destination station–further contributing to long queues and frustrated passengers, especially during peak hours.
Students also appealed for the discount to be made available not only for single journey tickets, but also for stored value tickets or beep cards, to spare them from having to line up daily.
“Establish dedicated ticket booths or lanes exclusively for students, separate from those for senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and regular passengers.”
After hearing these concerns, Tulfo called on the DOTr to establish dedicated ticket booths or lanes exclusively for students, separate from those for senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and regular passengers.
The legislator also urged the DOTr to develop a more efficient student verification process that would eliminate the need for manual form-filling and instead explore digital alternatives to streamline validation.
“The DOTr should work toward making the student discount applicable to beep cards.”
Echoing the students’ appeals, the lawmaker also recommended that the DOTr work toward making the student discount applicable to beep cards. The senator emphasized the importance of requiring the beep card provider to increase production and distribution, making these cards readily available in convenience stores and other commercial outlets nationwide, for the benefit of all commuters–especially students.
At present, his staff observed that beep cards are often out of stock at stations by the afternoon due to limited supply and high demand.
“The goal of the student fare discount is to make transportation more accessible to learners–not to create new obstacles for them or for other commuters,” Tulfo said.
