Students Use Dedicated Lanes for Faster Train Commute
Manila’s students can now benefit from dedicated lanes at the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) and Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) to make use of their fare discounts, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced recently. This new system aims to reduce long queues and ease the daily travel of students, especially after the student fare discounts were increased to 50 percent on all single-journey tickets for the three major rail lines starting June 20.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon emphasized the importance of streamlining the verification process. “We should not make it difficult to verify student discounts so that there are no long lines and student passengers can move quickly and avoid being late for school,” he said in a statement. The introduction of dedicated lanes is expected to help students board trains faster and minimize delays during peak hours.
Light Rail Manila Corp. Enhances Queuing System
Meanwhile, Light Rail Manila Corporation, which operates the LRT-1 line, announced plans to implement improved queuing systems. This move will help smooth passenger flow and prevent interruptions in travel for students availing themselves of discounts. The company is focusing on creating a more organized boarding process to ensure students can travel without unnecessary hassle.
Senator Raffy Tulfo, chair of the Senate Committee on Public Services, voiced concerns about the current challenges students face when using train fare discounts. He highlighted that long lines and inefficient validation processes have caused inconvenience and urged the DOTr to establish dedicated ticket booths for students at LRT and MRT stations. This suggestion aims to further speed up transactions and reduce waiting times.
Calls for Dedicated Student Ticket Booths
In his statement, Senator Tulfo recommended setting up separate ticket booth lanes exclusively for student use. This initiative would help streamline the validation process and allow students to access their discounted fares more easily. Local leaders noted that such measures are vital to support students’ daily commutes and ensure they arrive at school on time.
With these developments, the transportation authorities are working to create a more efficient and student-friendly commuting experience. These changes reflect a commitment to addressing commuters’ needs and enhancing public transport accessibility for young passengers.
For more news and updates on student train discounts, visit Filipinokami.com.
