DOTr to roll out student Beep cards with automatic 50% discount
One of the unused Dalian trains finally hit the MRT-3 tracks on July 16, 2025. (Santi San Juan)
Beep card, the stored-value card used for seamless travel on Metro Manila’s railways, will have a dedicated version for students starting September, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said.
These white personalized beep cards will automatically apply the 50 percent discount, meaning students will no longer queue to avail of the discounted single-journey ticket.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said these cards will speed up and make travel more convenient for students, especially during times when they could be late for class.
“Starting September, hindi na sila mahihirapan (they will no longer experience difficulties),” said Dizon.
The discounted cards can be used in Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), and LRT-2.
The cards are valid for one year and can be renewed every school year.
Currently, the discounted beep cards are already available for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs), which also automatically includes a 50 percent discount.
Dizon said his agency is working to expedite the printing of these cards so they can be obtained immediately at ticket counters.
As a temporary measure, he said that an additional 300,000 regular beep cards will be available next week across MRT-3, LRT-1, and LRT-2.
Based on the DOTr’s review, he said the amount is enough to cover the present shortage of beep cards.
With this, Dizon has issued a stern warning against syndicates hoarding beep cards and selling them for ₱300 apiece.
“Babantayan namin ‘yung bawat istasyon para mahuli itong mga loko-lokong ito. Papahuli at ipapakulong natin sila,” he said.
(We will monitor every station to catch these troublemakers. We will have them arrested and jailed.)
The DOTr is currently coordinating with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Special Action and Intelligence Committee on Transportation (SAICT) to address the issue.
The department will also work with online selling platforms to shut down entities selling beep cards online.