In line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Transportation (DOTR) are jointly promoting the implementation of a 50 percent discount for all students on the MRT and LRT.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara assured the DOTR of his full support and assistance in the successful implementation of the program for the students.
“Patuloy din ang pagpapaganda natin sa serbisyo ng MRT at saka LRT. Ang dating dalawampung porsyentong diskwento sa LRT at MRT para sa PWD, sa senior, at sa estudyante, ay itinaas na natin sa limampung porsyento na diskwento,” Marcos said in his 2025 State of the Nation Address.
The program covers all students from kindergarten to graduate school, includingAlternative Learning System (ALS) and Special Education (SPED). The discount will be applied to every train ride, with no daily or monthly limit.
Angara stressed the move is a direct support for access and equal opportunities 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.”
“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,” the education chief explained.
“Nais naming maramdaman ng bawat mag-aaral, mula Metro Manila hanggang sa malalayong rehiyon, ang suporta ng gobyerno.”
“Gagawin ng DepEd ang bahagi nito upang masigurong alam ng mga paaralan at magulang ang benepisyong ito. Nais naming maramdaman ng bawat mag-aaral, mula Metro Manila hanggang sa malalayong rehiyon, ang suporta ng gobyerno,” the education head added.
The DOTr announced that all train lines in Metro Manila are already implementing the 50 percent discount.
Outside Metro Manila, Libreng Sakay programs will be launched in Cebu and Davao using modern jeepneys and buses. More routes will be opened in the coming months.
“Hindi lang yung discount ang importante. Ang sabi ng Pangulo, kailangan ‘yung experience nila hindi sila pinapahirapan. Kung ikaw ay estudyante, pupunta ka sa kahit anong station, papakita mo ang iyong ID at right then and there ipiprint ang inyong student beep card,” Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said.
To get a discount, the students must present their valid school ID or enrollment form.
Starting September, students can apply for a special white Beep card at train stations, which will automatically apply for a discount.
The DOTr said the number of students on board is being tracked through ticket data. They have also provided a commuter hotline (0920-964-3687) and official social media channels for complaints in case the discount is not respected.
The DepEd and DOTr will also work together to make guidelines and strengthen the information drive on the program.
“Isang konkretong hakbang ito upang maging mas magaan ang edukasyon para sa mga pamilyang Pilipino,” Angara said.
“Kung mas madali at mas mura ang biyahe papunta sa paaralan, mas marami ang makakapagtapos, mas marami ang magtatagumpay,” he concluded.
