THE 50 percent fare discount program for students will run until 2028 to help ease the cost of education-related travel, the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced.

Launched in June this year, the initiative covers learners in both basic and higher education — from kindergarten to graduate school — including those in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) and Special Education (SPED). The discount applies every time a student rides the train, with no daily or monthly limit.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the program, extended until 2028, is a concrete step toward greater access and equity in education.

“Kapag nakakatipid ng pamasahe ang isang pamilya, mas maraming oportunidad para magamit ito para sa mga aklat at educational tool na kailangan nila. Malaking ginhawa ito para sa ating mga estudyante,” Angara said.

“DepEd will do its part to ensure schools and parents know about this benefit. We want every learner, from Metro Manila to the farthest regions, to feel the government’s support,” he added.

For its part, the DOTr said all train lines in Metro Manila already honor the 50 percent fare discount.

“Hindi lang yung discount ang importante. Ang sabi ng Pangulo, kailangan yung experience nila hindi sila pinapahirapan. Kung ikaw ay estudyante, pupunta ka sa kahit anong station, papakita mo ang iyong ID at right then and there ipiprint ang inyong student beep card,” DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon said.