DOTr to roll out new beep cards for students, PWD

MANILA, Philippines —  Commuters can expect quicker lines at train stations starting today as students, senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) no longer need to fill out forms to avail themselves of 50 percent fare discounts.

Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon announced yesterday that the DOTr removed the manual form requirement, saying it caused unnecessary delays.

“I observed a student filling out the form. It took nearly one to one-and-a-half minutes just to complete it. That’s wasted time for the student and for other passengers,” Dizon said.

He said the DOTr is partnering with the Commission on Audit to implement a digital system for managing fare discount data.

Dizon also announced that beep cards preloaded with a 50-percent fare discount for students will be available starting September.

These white beep cards are valid for one year and can be renewed annually.

To get one, students simply need to visit any Metro Rail Transit-3, Light Rail Transit-1 or LRT-2 station with their school ID and have the card printed on-site.

The move is part of the government’s efforts to simplify public transport access for priority sectors and improve efficiency in daily commuting.