DOTr: 50% discount on train rides at MRT-3, LRT-2 starting March 23

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday announced it will be implementing a 50% discount on train rides at the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) and Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2), starting March 23, 2026.

The initiative is in compliance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ease the burden of commuters amid the fuel price shock due to the Middle East conflict through fare discounts.

In an advisory, the DOTr said the 50% fare discount on MRT-3 and LRT-2 can be automatically availed by blue Beep card holders.

For those riding the rail systems using single journey tickets, the fares are already at 50% off, it said.

Moreover, the 50% discount being enjoyed by white Beep card holders —senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWD), and students— is still in effect.

The Transportation Department said the fare discount at MRT-3 and LRT-2 will remain until further notice.

"Ginagawa ng pamahalaan ang lahat para maibsan ang paghihirap ng mga Pilipino sa gitna ng gulo sa Middle East. Prayoridad natin ang tuloy-tuloy na biyahe at mas murang pamasahe kaya magbibigay tayo ng 50% discount sa MRT-3 at LRT-2 para sa lahat," said DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez.

(The government is doing all efforts to ease the Filipino’s burden amid the Middle East conflict. Our priority is to ensure reliable and affordable commute that’s why we are implementing a 50% at MRT-3 and LRT-2 for all.6

The DOTr said it is currently in talks with the management of Light Rail Transit Line 1, which is being operated by private firm Light Rail Manila Corp., to extend a similar discount for passengers using their line. —AOL, GMA Integrated News