In an effort to ease the everyday expenses of senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs), President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has launched a 50 percent discount for these sectors on Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) lines in Metro Manila.

This expands the 20 percent discount previously given to students, senior citizens, and PWDs.

On Wednesday, Marcos visited the MRT-3 Santolan-Annapolis Station in Quezon City to meet senior citizens who ride the train for their commute.

The event coincided with the observance of the 47th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week, which will begin on 17 July and continue until 23 July.

“In the past we have been able to give discounts to our students as long as they present their Student IDs – they can get a 50 percent discount,” he said.

“Now, we are adding senior citizens and our PWDs in the 50 percent discount,” he added.

According to Marcos, around 13 million senior citizens and 7 million PWDs will benefit from the 50 percent fare discount.

He emphasized that students, seniors, and PWDs need the government’s help as they have limited income and allowances.

“We thought we could do this to help our PWD commuters and the senior citizens who are here with us this morning,” he said.

To avail of the discount, seniors and PWDs need to present their ID cards when purchasing a ticket.