PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday led the Metro-wide launch of the personalized white student Beep cards as part of the government’s efforts to make travel faster and more affordable for students.
President Marcos, joined by Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, launched the discounted Beep cards at the Legarda Station of Light Rail Transit 2 (LRT 2) in Manila.
In his speech, Marcos said students would automatically get a 50-percent discount when riding the LRT 1, LRT 2 and the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT 3).
He cited the Cubao-Recto route that normally cost P25 but was reduced to P12.50 under the new system.
“That’s a very big help because we know that students are on a very, very tight budget. So, we’re very happy to be able to launch this new system to give the beep cards to our students,” Marcos said.
He said that processing has been improved. Students who will apply for it are only required to show proof of enrollment to get their card instantly. Previously, applicants had to wait seven to 10 days for release.
The application process for the student Beep card includes the presentation of a valid ID, encoding and image capturing, signing of an acknowledgment form, a one-time fee of P30, and card printing and issuance — all in three minutes, as the President claimed.
“From seven to 10 days processing, down to three minutes now,” he said. “We have expedited [the process]. It’s now more convenient for our students to avail of this program that offers a 50-percent discount for students.”
The government also introduced a more convenient loading system, allowing students to top up their Beep cards using digital platforms such as GCash and PayPal.
“They do not need to return here to load their card,” Marcos said.
The President said that the program would continue to be monitored and refined.
“We will watch and see what else we can do. Of course, it will need fine-tuning. We will continue studying it,” he said.
Marcos said the Beep card expansion builds on earlier transport discounts and free rides extended to senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
He said the program was part of his administration’s broader effort to modernize public transportation.
“We will continue to modernize public transportation to ensure a more comfortable and efficient commuting experience for all passengers,” he said.
Marcos also underscored the importance of supporting students, whom he described as the country’s “most important asset.”
“We look forward to the advantages it will bring to our students, our young people,” he added.
