LRT-2 ends free ride program

The Light Rail Transit Authority reminded the public on Saturday that its Libreng Sakay program for students ended on 5 November. However, it said students may still avail of a 20-percent fare discount starting today, 6 November.

LRTA said students availing of the discount need only show a valid school identification card or proof of enrollment to the station's passenger assistance office or ticket booth.

Persons with disabilities and senior citizens are also included in the list of those who could get a discount, LRTA added.

In a Facebook post, the LRTA said that its Libreng Sakay Program, which started on 22 August, has benefited in just 58 days more than 1.5 million students who rode LRT -2 from Santolan to Recto Avenue.

The program was launched to help students severely impacted by the pandemic.

"The students expressed their gratitude to the government and the LRTA for their safe and convenient trip during the implementation of the (Libreng Sakay) program," LRTA said in Filipino.

"(The students) said the free ride is a big help when they go back to school to ease their expenses due to the rising price of gasoline and basic goods," added LRTA.

The public transport operator also thanked its staff and frontline personnel who are enthusiastically serving for the smooth and successful program implementation as it ended the free ride program.