The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will give a 50 percent discount to all passengers riding the MRT-3 and LRT-2 lines starting Monday, March 23.

Transportation Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez said that the discount would greatly benefit passengers, allowing them to save during their commutes amid soaring fuel prices.

“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 percent discount sa MRT-3 at LRT-2 para sa lahat,” Secretary Lopez said.

The transport chief explained that, in place of cars as a mode of transportation—which consumes fuel—commuters can travel via train and avail of the discount.

Meanwhile, the 50 percent discount for white beep cards, which are distributed to students, senior citizens, and persons with disability (PWDs), remains in effect.

For regular passengers, the blue beep cards will automatically receive the 50 percent discount. Those without beep cards may purchase single-journey tickets that will also be discounted by 50 percent.

The DOTr is currently in talks with the LRT-1 management regarding giving the same discount. The train line is run by a private company, the Light Rail Manila Corporation.

The substantial discount is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive aimed at easing the daily commute through fare discounts amid the oil crisis brought on by the Middle East war.