A new fare reduction of 50% on MRT-3 and LRT-2 train rides aims to help commuters cope with fuel price increases, leading to longer queues and higher passenger numbers.
Starting March 23, 2026, passengers on the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) and Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) in the Philippines benefit from a significant 50% fare reduction. This initiative is part of government efforts to ease the financial burden caused by rising fuel costs on daily commuters. Observations at the MRT-3 Cubao Station during morning rush hour revealed much longer queues as a higher volume of passengers took advantage of the discounted rates.
Michael Capati, MRT-3 General Manager, confirmed in an interview with GMA Integrated News that the discount will remain effective “until further notice,” pending any directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. He emphasized that although this program is expected to reduce revenue, the rail operations will continue as usual since MRT-3 receives government subsidies. Maintenance services, funded separately with contributions from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), will not be compromised.
To manage the anticipated rise in passenger flow, especially during peak hours, additional personnel and security have been deployed at MRT-3 stations.
Likewise, LRT-2 commuters have welcomed the reduced fares, noting that the savings on transportation will allow them to allocate funds towards other essential needs such as food and household expenses. For example, travel from Cubao to Antipolo, previously priced at ₱23 via stored-value card, now costs ₱11.50. Single journey ticket fares have been adjusted to range between ₱8 to ₱18, while stored-value cards cost between ₱6.50 to ₱16.50, depending on the destination.
The discount applies to all passengers, though individuals already receiving a 50% fare concession—such as students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities—will not receive an additional reduction. The Light Rail Transit Authority estimates that approximately 210,000 daily LRT-2 passengers will benefit from this initiative.
Authorities anticipate a continued rise in ridership as more commuters take advantage of the affordable fares in the coming days.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/981000/longer-queues-observed-as-50-discount-on-mrt-3-lrt-2-rides-start/story/
