For years, our public transport has been a daily nightmare, so bad that it became the very motivation that drove countless commuters to buy their first vehicle or motorcycle. But now, with fuel hitting over PHP 100 per liter, suddenly the grimy bus or cramped jeepney or train doesn’t look so bad.

For the next few weeks, at least, ditching the car and going back to public transport might be a smart choice, especially when the government said it will slash train fares by half.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has announced a 50% fare discount for MRT-3 and LRT-2 commuters “to ease the burden on commuters.” The MRT-3 runs along EDSA, while the LRT-2 connects Recto Avenue in Manila to Masinag in Antipolo City.

“Ginagawa ng pamahalaan ang lahat para maibsan ang paghihirap ng mga Pilipino sa gitna ng gulo sa Middle East. Prayoridad natin ang tuloy-tuloy na biyahe at mas murang pamasahe kaya magbibigay tayo ng 50% discount sa MRT-3 at LRT-2 para sa lahat,” said Transportation Secretary, Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez.

(The government is doing everything it can to ease the suffering of Filipinos amid the turmoil in the Middle East. Our priority is uninterrupted travel and more affordable fares, so we will grant a 50% discount on MRT-3 and LRT-2 rides for everyone.)

Lopez also explained that commuters can save significantly by taking the trains with discounted fares, instead of driving their own vehicles and paying for expensive fuel.  Meanwhile, the 50% discount remains in effect for white beep cards used by senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and students. Regular passengers can also use blue beep cards to automatically receive the 50% discount, while those without beep cards can purchase single-journey tickets at the same reduced rate.

The DOTr said the fare reduction will take effect on March 23 and remain in place “until further notice.” The DOTr is also in talks with LRT-1 management to implement a similar discounted fare on their line, which runs from Parañaque City to Quezon City. The LRT-1 is operated by the private company Light Rail Manila Corporation.

Would you ditch the car and ride public again and take advantage of this discounted fare offer from the government?