DOTr scraps forms for student, senior, PWD fare discounts

Students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) no longer need to fill out forms to avail of the 50% fare discount on the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3, and Light Rail Transit (LRT) Lines 1 and 2.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said Wednesday the Department of Transportation (DOTr) junked the form requirement to eliminate unnecessary delays and inconvenience for commuters.

"Sinilip ko kanina ‘yung estudyanteng nag-fill out ng form, inabot ng kulang-kulang one hanggang one minute 30 seconds para lang sa form. Sayang 'yung oras ng estudyante at ng ibang pasahero," Dizon said during an onsite inspection.

(I saw a student earlier filling out the form—it took almost 1 to 1 minute and 30 seconds to get that done. It's a waste of time for the student and other passengers.)

Dizon said the DOTr will work with the Commission on Audit (COA) to digitize the process of information gathering for fare discounts.

"Tinutulak ng Pangulo ang digitalization, dapat makabago na ang pagkuha ng ganitong simpleng requirement. Progressive naman si COA Chairman [Gamaliel] Cordoba kaya alam natin isusulong niya rin ito," he added.

(The President is pushing for digitalization. We should modernize how we collect such simple requirements. COA Chairman Cordoba is progressive, so we know he will also push for this.)

In a related development, Dizon said personalized student beep cards granting automatic 50% fare discounts in Metro Manila’s rail lines will be available beginning September.

The white, personalized beep cards will bear the student’s name. These will be valid for one year and may be renewed every school year. Students simply need to visit any MRT-3, LRT-1, or LRT-2 station starting next month, present their school ID, and have their personalized card printed on the spot.

The same white beep cards are already available to senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs), who also automatically receive a 50% fare discount. — VDV, GMA Integrated News