Public transportation is a lifeline for many commuters. And for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) especially, discounted fares can make daily travel more affordable and accessible.
With the upcoming fare increase on the Light Rail Transit (LRT) in 2025, it’s more important than ever to take advantage of the Beep™ Card discounts.
Here’s everything you need to know about who is eligible, how to apply, and how these benefits can ease the impact of rising transportation costs.
Why MRT/LRT Discounts Matter More Than Ever
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has approved a fare hike for LRT-1 starting April 2, 2025. This will raise the maximum single journey fare from ₱45 to ₱55. The fare increase aims to fund necessary system upgrades, maintenance, and expansion. While these improvements are essential, they also mean higher commuting costs for daily passengers.
This is where fare discounts play a crucial role. Eligible commuters can receive a 20% discount, helping offset the rising costs and keeping public transportation accessible.
Who Can Get an MRT/LRT Discount?
Discounts are available to three primary groups:
- Students – Enrolled in an educational institution recognized by the government.
- Senior Citizens – Aged 60 and above with proper identification.
- PWDs (Persons with Disabilities) – Those with officially recognized disabilities.
Each group must provide specific documents to qualify.
Required Documents
To apply for the discount, you need to present the following documents at an MRT/LRT station:
For Students:
- Valid school ID (must be current and issued by the school)
- School registration form or certificate of enrollment showing the academic year
For Senior Citizens:
- Senior Citizen ID issued by the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA)
- If unavailable, a government-issued ID with birthdate (e.g., passport, driver’s license, or voter’s ID)
For PWDs:
- Person with Disability (PWD) ID (front and back) issued by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) or local government units
- Valid government-issued ID for identity verification
How to Apply for an MRT/LRT Discount
Applying for the discount is a simple process:
- Visit a Train Station – Go to any LRT-1, LRT-2, or MRT-3 station.
- Seek Assistance – Approach the station tellers and inform them that you want to apply for a discounted fare.
- Fill Out the Required Form – Complete the Concessionary Card Application Form provided at the station or downloadable online.
- Present Documents – Provide the necessary documents for verification.
- Receive Your Discounted Card – Depending on eligibility:
- Students receive a Single Journey Ticket (SJT) at a discounted rate before boarding.
- Senior Citizens and PWDs receive a concessionary beep™ card that offers a 20% fare discount on multiple rides.
Concessionary Card Application Form
This document is the Concessionary Card Application Form for beep™ cards.
It can be downloaded from this link.
Designed for senior citizens, Persons with Disabilities (PWD), and other eligible individuals, this form helps you apply for the beep™ card that grants discounts.
Ensure all required fields are accurately filled out before submitting the form at designated stations.
Once completed, present the claim stub to the Station Teller to pick up your Concessionary beep™ card.
How to Reload Your Beep™ Discount Card
Reloading your Beep™ discount card is easy and convenient. Here are the various methods you can use:
1. Using the Beep™ App
- Download and Open the App: Install the Beep™ app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Register Your Card: Log in and register your Beep™ card.
- Select ‘Buy Beep Load’: Click on the registered card or choose ‘Load Unregistered Card.’
- Enter Amount: Enter the amount you want to reload or select from existing options.
- Choose Payment Method: Select your preferred payment method (e.g., GCash, Maya, ShopeePay).
- Confirm Payment: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the payment.
- Tap Your Card: Tap your Beep™ card on the back of your NFC-enabled smartphone to update the balance.
2. Through Digital Banking and E-Wallet Partners
- GCash: Use the GCash app to reload your Beep™ card.
- Maya: Reload via the Maya app.
- ShopeePay: Use ShopeePay to scan the QR code generated in the Beep™ app.
- Other Partners: Venio, Chinabank, Home Credit, JustPay.to, Gateway Mobile, Posible, PalawanPay, Mocasa, and ShareTreats.
3. At Beep™ E-Load Stations
- Visit a Station: Go to any Beep™ e-load station, such as those in LRT/MRT stations, bus terminals, or partner establishments like Ministop and Family Mart.
- Tap Your Card: Tap your Beep™ card on the card reader to load the balance.
4. Over-the-Counter Payments
- Partner Establishments: Reload at partner establishments like convenience stores and kiosks.
- POSIBLE Outlets: Visit a POSIBLE outlet and inform the retailer to reload your Beep™ card.
5. Via SMS
- Check Balance: Ensure you have at least ₱15 load balance on your Globe mobile.
- Send SMS: Text BEEP <16-digit Beep card number> to 2346 (e.g., BEEP 1234567891000000 20).
- Fetch Load: Proceed to any Beep™ e-load station to update your card balance.
Important Notes About Your Discount Card
- Student Discounts apply only on weekdays and exclude weekends and holidays.
- Senior Citizen and PWD beep™ cards are valid for a specific period and must be renewed accordingly.
- Lost beep™ cards must be reported for replacement (fees may apply).
Benefits of Having an MRT/LRT Discount Card
Beyond just saving money, discount cards offer several benefits:
1. Cost Savings
With a 20% discount, the fare burden is significantly reduced, making daily commutes more affordable.
2. Convenience
The beep™ card works across multiple transit systems, including:
- MRT and LRT lines
- P2P buses
- Some ferries and tollways
This seamless interconnectivity makes commuting hassle-free.
3. Cashless Transactions
Using a beep™ card eliminates the need for cash transactions, speeding up entry and reducing long lines.
4. Additional Perks
Some beep™ cards can be used for retail payments at select merchants, cinemas, and even expressways. You may check Beep™’s official website here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply for an MRT/LRT discount online?
Currently, applications for MRT/LRT discounts must be done in person at designated train stations.
2. Do student discounts apply on weekends?
No, student discounts are only valid on weekdays and do not apply during holidays.
3. Can I use my beep™ card for other transportation services?
Yes, beep™ cards can be used on select buses, ferries, and even at some tollways and retail establishments.
4. How long does it take to process my discount application?
The processing time may take up to two weeks as submitted documents need to be verified first and the personalized card must be prepared before release.
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Conclusion
Public transportation should be accessible and affordable for everyone. With the upcoming fare increase, utilizing MRT/LRT discounts is more important than ever. By following the simple application process, students, senior citizens, and PWDs can continue commuting without financial strain.
If you or someone you know qualifies for these discounts, apply today and start saving on your daily commute!