The Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) and Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) have rolled out dedicated student lanes across all stations in Manila to help alleviate long lines and speed up fare discount processing for students, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced on Friday, July 4.
According to the statement of DOTr, the move comes in response to a recent directive by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who ordered an increase in fare discounts for students from 20 percent to 50 percent across the country’s major rail systems such as MRT-3, LRT-1, and LRT-2.
The increased discount will remain in place until 2028.
DOTr said in a statement that the initiative aims to decongest ticketing lines and improve the daily commuting experience for students.
However, the 50 percent discount is only applicable through single-journey tickets, requiring students to line up at ticket booths for verification, often leading to long queues during peak hours.
With the new student-only lanes, the DOTr hopes to fast-track this process and minimize delays.
“Kabilin-bilinan ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na paginhawain natin ang buhay ng mga komyuter. Dapat hindi rin natin pahirapan ang pag-verify ng student discounts para walang pila at mabilis ang daloy ng mga student passengers para hindi sila ma-late sa kanilang eskwelahan,” said Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon.
Dizon highlighted the need for the government to ensure smooth passenger flow, particularly for students availing of discounted fares.
He noted that the initiative is part of the agency's efforts to ease the daily struggles of commuters who often face long lines when entering train stations.
Meanwhile, the Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), which operates the LRT-1 line, said it is also implementing queuing systems to better manage passenger flow and minimize delays for students availing of the discount.
Earlier, on May 5, MRT-3 management removed X-ray scanners at station entrances in a separate effort to speed up entry for commuters.
However, long lines persist, especially during rush hour, prompting further efforts such as the new student lanes.
