Soon – FREE MRT-2, LRT-3 & PNR rides for students

Photo by: Interaksyon

Students can ride for free on the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2), and Philippine National Railway (PNR) starting July 1.

The good news was announced by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday, June 27.  Students upto college level, including students who are taking up vocational or technical courses may avail of the free rides on the following schedules from Monday to Friday excluding holidays according to DOTr:

MRT-3

5 a.m. to 6:30 a.m.

3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

LRT-2

4:30 a.m. to 6 a.m.

3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

PNR

5 a.m. to 6 a.m.

3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

 

Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade said in a press briefing in Clark, Pampanga on Thursday that the schedules for the free rides were made to encourage students to go to school early.

“Hinihikayat nating pumasok ng maaga sa paaralan ang mga estudyante kapalit niyan ay libreng pamasahe,” he said.

“As we give benefits, we are trying to create a culture na dapat kabahagi ng isang mag-aaral,” he continued.

Students will only have to present their school IDs to avail of the free rides for the pilot run on July 1. Though, overtime, students would need to fill up an application form on the websites of DOTr, MRT-3, and Light Rail Transit Authority to get a “Student Free Ride” ID. According to DOTr, online registration for the said IDs will start on Friday, June 28.

Free student train rides isn’t the only project being developed by DOTr, but also, students will no longer be charged terminal fees in all airports and ports across the country as well. Starting August 1, terminal fees in airports will be free for students according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). Furthermore, terminal fees in ports will be free for students starting on July 16 according to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

The Free Ride Program will still be reviewed after three months to determine what aspects need improvement said Tugade.

“Bigyan niyo kami ng three months, makikita natin kung paano mapapabuti pa ang implementasyon nito at maiwasan ang congestion,” he said.