MRT-3, LRT-2 open student-only lanes for fare discounts

(INQUIRER file photos)

MANILA, Philippines — Students can now use dedicated lanes at the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) and Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) to avail their fare discounts, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced on Friday.

According to the DOTr, the development aims to reduce lines and ease the daily commute of students following the implemented raise in student fare discounts to 50 percent for all single-journey tickets in the three major rail lines last June 20.

“We should not make it difficult to verify student discounts so that there are no long lines and student passengers can move quickly and avoid being late for school,” Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said in a statement.

READ: Student train fare discount raised to 50% starting June 20 – DOTr.

Meanwhile, the Light Rail Manila Corp., the operator of LRT-1 line, will be implementing queuing systems to streamline passenger movement and mitigate travel disruptions for students availing discounts.

On Thursday, Senator Raffy Tulfo, head of the Senate Committee on Public Services, expressed concern over the inconvenience of availing student discounts due to long lines and inefficient validation process.

READ: Tulfo to DOTr: Set up student discount booths at LRT, MRT stations.

In the same statement, he recommended the establishment of ticket booth lanes solely for the use of students. /apl

(Nelson Jr. Caparas, INQUIRER.net trainee)