The Light Rail Transit Line 2 or LRT-2 will be waiving fares for students beginning August 22 under the ‘Libreng Sakay’ (Free Rides) Program, coinciding with the first day of classes for majority of the country’s schools.
The LRT Line 2 passes through a number of schools, colleges, and universities in Metro Manila
According to Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) administrator Atty. Hernando Cabrera, the free rides are expected to benefit 2.2 million students that use the rail service that runs along 80 schools, colleges, and universities. Prior to the pandemic, the LRT-2’s daily ridership was estimated at between 90,000 and 100,000 passengers.
He adds that this was in accordance with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as schools nationwide gradually revert to full face-to-face classes. The program was based on a recommendation by Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista to the President during a Cabinet meeting.
“We have prepared a system to ensure the safe, smooth, and efficient implementation of the program in compliance with the directive of the Department of Transportation,” Cabrera said.
Students only need to present their valid school IDs or original registration forms
Those eligible for the waived fees are enrolled students from nursery/kindergarten all the way to college level, including those taking technical/vocational courses. Meanwhile, the program does not cover those taking up post-graduate studies.
To avail of the free rides, students need only present their school IDs or original registration form at the Passenger Assistance Office (PAO), after which they will be given a non-transferable single-journey ticket valid for one day.
This is in preparation for the scheduled opening of classes
All students under the program will be subjected to standard security inspection at the stations, as well as health and safety protocols on the trains. The free rides will be available daily from Mondays to Saturdays, between 5:00 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. Sundays and holidays are not included.
Cabrera notes that the ‘Libreng Sakay’ program will run only until November 5, after which LRT-2 will provide a 20-percent discount on fares to students. Either way, this will still serve as an incentive for students to take public transportation, considering that the new number coding scheme is already in effect.
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