Layout by: John Maclen R. Dolor
Published by: Keshia Gwyneth Esposa
Date Published: September 24, 2025
Time Published: 3:57 PM
Student commuters can now enjoy automatic half-priced fares on Metro Manila’s major railway lines as the long-awaited Student Beep Cards officially rolled out on Saturday, September 20.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led the ceremonial launch of the white Beep cards at the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) Legarda Station, alongside Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, highlighting the program as part of the administration’s effort to make commuting more affordable and convenient.
The cards, which automatically grant a 50 percent fare discount, can be used by students riding the LRT-1, LRT-2, and Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3).
“We’re very happy to be able to launch this new system to give the beep cards to our students,” Marcos said, noting that the initiative would be a big help to students who are on a “very, very tight” budget.
The President explained that what used to take seven to ten days of processing can now be done in just three minutes once students present proof that they are enrolled, as the card will immediately be printed and loaded on the spot.
On-the-spot printing is also available for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs), with booths operating at all LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 stations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.
According to the Department of Transportation, the printing process will only take a few minutes between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. daily, requiring students to pay a one-time cost of ₱30, sign an acknowledgment form, have their school ID or enrollment certificate presented, undergo data encoding, and have their images captured.
The white Beep cards are personalized and non-transferable, valid for one year for students, while senior citizens and PWDs will be issued cards with lifetime validity.
Up to 400,000 students are expected to benefit from the automatic fare discount daily, according to the Department of Transportation.
During the launch, Marcos even teased the students, saying they no longer have an excuse for arriving late to class now that the cards can be acquired in just minutes.
REFERENCES:
[1] Cordero, T. (2025, September 20). Marcos leads rollout of student beep cardsMarcos leads rollout of student beep cards. GMA Integrated News. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/959786/marcos-leads-rollout-of-student-beep-cards/story/
[2] Delgado, H. (2025, September 20). Marcos teases students on launching of 50% automatic train discount: 'Wala na kayong excuse maging late'. ABS-CBN News. https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/9/20/marcos-teases-students-on-launching-of-50-automatic-train-discount-1507
[3] Romero, A. (2025, September 21). White beep cards for students now available. The Philippine Star. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/09/21/2474321/white-beep-cards-students-now-available
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