The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday, August 19, announced its support for the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) implementation of a 50 percent train fare discount for students on Metro Manila’s MRT and LRT lines.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, in a statement, said the measure, which will continue until 2028, is a “direct boost” to access and equity in education.

“Kapag nakakatipid ng pamasahe ang isang pamilya, mas maraming oportunidad para magamit ito para sa mga aklat at educational tool na kailangan nila (When a family saves on transportation costs, it opens up more opportunities to use that money for books and educational tools they need),” Angara said. “Malaking ginhawa ito para sa ating mga estudyante (This brings great relief to our students),” he added.

The program, set to run until 2028, aligns with President Marcos’ directive to ease the financial burden of education-related travel.

During his 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos announced that the fare discount for students, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and senior citizens had been doubled from 20 percent to 50 percent.

Launched in June 2025, the program covers learners across all levels — from kindergarten to graduate school — including those in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) and Special Education (SPED). Students can avail of the discount every time they ride the train, with no daily or monthly limit.

Angara assured that DepEd will actively inform schools and parents nationwide about the fare benefit to ensure that every learner can take advantage of it.

“DepEd will do its part to ensure schools and parents know about this benefit,” Angara said. “We want every learner, from Metro Manila to the farthest regions, to feel the government’s support,” he added.

DOTr confirmed that all train lines across Metro Manila are now implementing the 50 percent discount. Outside the capital, Cebu and Davao have started piloting Libreng Sakay programs using modern jeepneys and buses along designated routes. More routes in both cities are expected to roll out in the coming weeks.

To avail of the discount, students must present a valid school ID or enrollment form. Starting September 2025, special white Beep cards will be issued at train stations, automatically applying the discount for every ride.

Both DepEd and DOTr vowed to harmonize guidelines and strengthen public awareness to maximize the program’s impact.

“This is a concrete step in making education less of a burden for Filipino families,” Angara said. “Kung mas madali at mas mura ang biyahe papunta sa paaralan, mas marami ang makakapagtapos, mas marami ang magtatagumpay (If travel to school becomes easier and more affordable, more students will graduate and more will succeed),” he added.