Guide: LRT-2 "Libreng Sakay" for Students 2022

If you're a frequent commuter in the metro, you probably have heard of the LRT's Libreng Sakay for students this August. As CNN Philippines reported, more than two million students can save a bit more on their daily allowances starting August 22 with the Light Rail Transit-2 Libreng Sakay Program. In a statement released by the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), they estimate that 2.2 million students from over 80 academic institutions near the LRT-2 line will benefit from the program.

Before the pandemic, the typical weekday average ridership of LRT-2 before the pandemic is 90,000-100,000 per day. Now, more than 2 million students will benefit from the Libreng Sakay Program that will run from August 22  to November 5, 2022.

Atty. Hernando T. Cabrera, the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) Administrator, said that the estimated number of students that are expected to benefit from the program for the given period as LRT-2 (Antipolo-Recto) comes from 80 universities, colleges, and schools around Metro Manila.

A program called “Libreng Sakay” was recommended to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. by Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista during the second Cabinet meeting, to ease the burden of Filipino families amidst rising fuel prices and essential commodities, as well as the continuing COVID 19 pandemic. Hence, if you're a student and looking for ways to save up your allowance, you should take advantage of this kind of program.

Following are four things you must keep in mind regarding LRT-2's 'Libreng Sakay' program, according to LRTA Administrator Hernando Cabrera:

5 Things You Should Know About LRT-2's Free Ride Program for Students This 2022

1. The Beneficiaries of the LRT-2 Free Rides

The Libreng Sakay will be offered to students enrolled in pre-elem, elementary, primary, high schools, technical- vocational, and college students daily from Mondays to Saturdays, from 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM. Just note that Sundays and holidays are exempted. Also, the 'Libreng Sakay' program does not cover students taking graduate studies. Meanwhile, students' guardians or companions are also not covered by the program.

2. LRT-2's Libreng Sakay Program Period Runs from August 22 to November 5, 2022

As per Cabrera, the "Libreng Sakay" free ride program is available from August 22, 2022, up until November 5, 2022. Whenever a commercial trip begins at 5 a.m., students are entitled to free rides until the last trip at 9 p.m. from Antipolo station, and 9:30 p.m. from Recto station. Following the end of the program on November 6, the LRT-2 will grant a 20% discount to students.

3. The requirements and what you need to bring

Passenger Assistance Offices (PAOs) will issue the Free Ride Tickets to students who present their original school ID or original registration forms. A single journey ticket for the free ride can be obtained by showing your physical ID or a copy of your registration form. But, you will not be permitted to submit digital copies of your ID. It is necessary for all of the students to present their actual school identification.

Again, digital images or virtual copies of identification will not be allowed. Often, people attempt to display an image of their ID using their device, but the facilities are instructed not to accept it. Hence, the Passenger Assistance Office (PAO) will issue a Free Ride Ticket to students who present their original school ID or registration form. A Free Ride Single Journey Ticket can be used only once per day and cannot be transferred.

4. The Safety Protocols Inside this Public Transportation

Students who take advantage of the free ride will be subject to the routine security inspection procedures and health and safety protocols at the station/train. To ensure everyone's safety, the LRT-2 will continue to conduct security inspections, temperature checks, and frequent sanitation.

Also, trains undergo a sanitation process whenever they reach the last station, regardless of their direction. When taking the trip, everyone should keep their face masks on, avoid taking phone calls and practice physical distancing and other health protocols. In addition, other commuters should adjust their commuting times since there will be an influx during peak hours—from 7 am to 9 am and 5 am to 7 pm.

According to Cabrera, eight trains have been deployed so far, but they plan on having 10 in service towards the end of the year. They are also planning to rehab four other trains, and they are looking to procure five more units to provide better service to the riding public.

Atty. Hernando T. Cabrera, the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) Administrator also said that the government has prepared a system to secure the safe, smooth, and efficient implementation of the program. Of course, in compliance with the directive of the Department of Transportation. With the "Libreng Sakay Program," a campaign designed to ease Filipinos' burden amid rising fuel and food costs, the free rides will help ease the burden on Filipinos. A free ride program like this is a huge help to all students who struggle with daily commutes.

According to the Department of Education, schools will begin on Aug. 22 and slowly transition to five-day face-to-face classes by Nov. 2, 2022.

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