Probably the best news of week, we guess? Students of the Philippines, your allowance might feel a little bit bigger soon since the Department of Transportation has announced that train rides are now free for you in selected hours. Transportation secretary Arthur Tugade clarifies that this applies for government-operated assets such as the LRT2, MRT3, and PNR systems.

MAGANDANG BALITA!

Tuluy-tuloy ang pagpapadama ng Kagawaran ng Transportasyon at ng mga attached agency nito ng PUSO at MALASAKIT para sa mga Pilipino.#DOTrPH ??#ComfortableLifeForAll #PartnersForChange pic.twitter.com/ampEuyAeVf

— DOTrPH ?? (@DOTrPH) June 27, 2019

If you want to score a free train ride on the way to wherever, keep in mind that rates are free during these hours: 5 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for MRT3; 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. for PNR; and 4:30 a.m. to 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for LRT2. The perk can be enjoyed from Mondays to Fridays, except for holidays.

In order to savor the free fare, students must first go through a registration to avail the free Student ID to be issued by the DOTr. Before going to out to register, prepare your school I.D., I.D. photo, and certificate of enrollment. There will be an online registration, but students can also go to Malasakit Help Desks to sign up. Since this hasn’t been finalized yet, for the meantime, students can just present their existing student I.D. starting Jul. 1 to enjoy the free ride.

Para makalibre ng pamasahe, narito ang requirements upang magkaroon ng Student ID. #DOTrPH ?? pic.twitter.com/SGTFtFqZ8l

— DOTrPH ?? (@DOTrPH) June 27, 2019

Not only that, terminal fees will also be free. This will be implemented at the PPA (Philippine Ports Authority) seaports on Jul. 16, and CAAP (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines) airports beginning August.

Take note, however, that this benefit does not apply to students pursuing post-graduate studies.

Art by Aira Ydette