Students, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and senior citizens can now avail of the 50 percent fare discount at all MRT-3, LRT-1, and LRT-2 stations without the need to fill out forms, after the Department of Transportation (DOTr) officially removed this requirement on Wednesday.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon announced that starting August 13, passengers only need to present their valid IDs to purchase single-journey tickets with the discount, simplifying and speeding up the process.
“Sinilip ko kanina ‘yung estudyanteng nag-fill out ng form, inabot ng kulang-kulang 1 hanggang 1 minute 30 seconds para lang sa form. Sayang ‘yung oras ng estudyante at ng ibang pasahero,” said Dizon.
Dizon made the announcement following his inspection of the MRT and LRT stations on Monday, August 11, where long lines were observed due to the previous form-filling procedure and a shortage of beep cards.
To further streamline the process, the DOTr will collaborate with the Commission on Audit (COA) to digitalize the information-gathering system.
“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,” Dizon added.
DOTr also announced that starting September, students will be able to use new beep cards on the MRT and LRT systems that come pre-programmed with a 50 percent fare discount. Separate beep cards will also be available for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
