LRTA foregoes P30-M income in free rides
By Emmie V. Abadilla
The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) has foregone P30 million earnings in the first quarter of the school year under the Student Libreng Sakay (Free Ride) Program, the LRT2 operator declared in its statement late Monday, Nov.7.
The amount, which could have been used to fund the upgrading and rehabilitation projects for the LRT2 System, benefited a total of 1,623,473 students by the end of the free ride program this Saturday, November 5, 2022.
The LRTA stressed that the Student Libreng Sakay Program was "intentionally designed to cover only the 1st Quarter of the current school year, and that thereafter, the usual 20 percent Student Fare Discount will be implemented".

To provide students with transport assistance amidst the pandemic and rising prices of commodities, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the LRTA, initiated the LRT-2 Libreng Sakay Program in August 22, 2022, in time for the gradual phase-in of the face-to-face classes in the first quarter of the current school year.
However, "The continued free ride would deprive LRTA needed funds for its rehab and upgrading projects," the LRTA underscored.
To continue assisting students, the rail line started giving them a 20 percent fare discount on November 6, 2022,
Students can avail of the discount by presenting their IDs or filling-out the registration form at the Passenger Assistance Office or Ticket Booth.