Seniors, PWDs receive 50% discount on 3 train lines

Effective July 16, over 13 million senior citizens and seven million persons with disabilities (PWDs) will benefit from an increase in fare discount from the statutory 20 to 50 percent on three major train lines in Metro Manila: LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3.

Aimed at easing the plight of commuters, the initiative follows the implementation of the same 50 percent fare discount for students last June 20.

“Noong nakaraan nakapagbigay tayo ng diskwento sa ating mga students basta’t magpakita ng student ID ay makakapagkuha sila ng 50 percent na discount. Ngayon naman ay idadagdag natin sa grupong ‘yun na mabibigyan ng 50 percent discount ang mga senior citizens at ang mga PWD,” President Marcos stated during the launch held at the MRT-3 Santolan-Annapolis southbound station.

In his remarks, Marcos emphasized the pressing needs of students, PWDs, and senior citizens, noting that their incomes are often limited and that they regularly commute to work or school, thus the importance of supporting these groups.

 “Our students, persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens truly need our help because their income is very limited. That’s why we thought of this program as something we can do to support our commuters who are PWDs and senior citizens,” Marcos added.

Additionally, in celebration of this year’s National Disability Rights Week, all PWDs may avail of free rides on LRT Line 2 from July 17 to 23 during MRT-3’s peak hours: 7:00–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM, from July 17 to 23.

“All PWDs need to do is present a valid PWD ID to station personnel at the service gate to avail of the free ride,” the Department of Transportation (DOTr) stated.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) lauded both the Marcos administration’s initiative and the week-long free rides.

“The directive of the President is for the government to rally together to safeguard the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities, and help provide opportunities for them. In fact, we have the NDRW in line with Proclamation No. 597 signed in June 2024, devoting July 17-23 of every year in celebrating the rights of the sector,” a DSWD spokesperson remarked.

The DSWD further emphasized the importance of the program, recognizing that beneficiaries face additional expenses such as medical bills.

“Batid po natin na maraming ginagastos ang ating mga senior citizens and persons with disabilities dahil sa kanilang karagdagang medikal na pangangailangan. Kung kaya, kami sa DSWD ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa Pangulong Marcos Jr., at sa Department of Transportation (DOTr) dahil malaking tulong ang dagdag diskwento na ito para matulungan natin na mapagaan ang pinansyal na pangangailangan ng ating mga bulnerableng mamamayan,” the DSWD spokesperson added.

Also present at the launch were DOTr Secretary Vivencio Dizon, MRT-3 General Manager Michael Capati, and Acting Secretary Dave M. Gomez of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).