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Commuters using Light Rail Transit 2 (LRT-2) and Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) will receive a 50 percent fare discount starting March 23, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced on Thursday.
The agency said the fare reduction was implemented following the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to help ease the impact of rising fuel costs linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Under the adjusted rates, passengers on LRT 2 were set to pay between P7.50 and P17.50, depending on distance traveled along its east to west route from Recto to Antipolo.
Meanwhile, MRT 3 fares were reduced to a range of P6.50 to P14 for trips between North Avenue in Quezon City and Taft Avenue in Pasay City.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the measure aimed to make commuting more manageable and ensure safe travel for the public, adding that efforts were ongoing to improve daily transit conditions.
Authorities said both LRT 2 and MRT 3 are government operated, allowing the fare adjustment to be implemented immediately.
The DOTr also said it was coordinating with Light Rail Manila Corp. for a possible similar discount on LRT 1, although no final decision had been announced.
Operators of LRT 1 said regular fares would remain in place for now, while noting they were working with the government to maintain reliable service as fuel prices continue to rise.
