Metro Manila's rail commuters just got a boost. Starting July 16, senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) can avail of a 50% fare discount on the LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3. The expanded benefit aims to ease travel costs for vulnerable groups who depend on public transportation for daily movement.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. officially launched the initiative at the MRT-3 Santolan-Annapolis station, ahead of the 47th National Disability Week, observed from July 17 to 23. This new discount follows the fare reduction for students rolled out in June.
Supporting Sectors with Limited Income
At the event, Marcos emphasized the need to lift some financial weight off the shoulders of commuters with constrained resources. “Our students, PWDs, and senior citizens truly need our help because their income is very limited,” he said.
The new fare scheme builds on the existing law that grants a 20% discount to students, seniors, and PWDs. By increasing the discount to 50% on major train lines, the government hopes to provide meaningful relief to an estimated 13 million senior citizens and 7 million persons with disabilities nationwide.
More than just a discount, the program represents a broader push toward inclusive and equitable mobility. Transportation is a daily necessity—and this initiative helps ensure that it remains affordable and accessible for those who need it most.
