Manila, Philippines — On Monday, the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) revealed that they had lost “around 30 million” due to free student rides and warned that it might reduce financing for the agency’s needed projects if continued.
This is in response to public appeal to continue providing free transportation or “Libreng Sakay” for students who are now attending its face-to-face classes after the lockdowns caused by COVID-19.
According to LRTA, the Program, which started in August and ended on November 5, was “intentionally designed” to cover only the first quarter of the school year 2022-2023.
“The LRTA lost the opportunity to earn some ₱30 million as a result of the program, which amount could have been used to fund upgrading and rehabilitation projects for the LRT2 System,”
Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA)
“The continued free ride would deprive LRTA needed funds,” it added.
LRTA stated that the initiative is designed to help students severely affected by the pandemic and the increasing inflation in the country. The agency also shared that it had successfully given away one million free student trips in just 58 days.
Students with valid school IDs or other enrollment verification can still get discounted fares at the station’s Passenger Assistance Office or ticket booth.