THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) will implement a 50-percent fare discount for all passengers of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 and Light Rail Transit (LRT) 2 beginning March 23. The fare reduction comes as the war in the Middle East takes its toll on fuel and transport costs, and strained household budgets. Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the move is expected to generate significant savings for commuters, particularly as fuel prices continue to climb. “The government is doing everything it can to cushion the impact of the crisis in the Middle East. Affordable fares and reliable transport remain our priorities, which is why we are granting a 50-percent discount on MRT 3 and LRT 2 for all passengers,” Lopez said. He added that taking the train would allow commuters to save more compared to using private vehicles, given the high cost of fuel. The DOTr said the discounted fares will be automatically applied to passengers using blue Beep cards, while those without stored-value cards may avail themselves of the reduced rates through single-journey tickets. The existing 50-percent discount for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and students using white Beep cards will remain in effect. Meanwhile, the DOTr said it is in talks with the private operator of LRT 1, Light Rail Manila Corp., to explore the possibility of extending similar fare discounts. On Wednesday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with members of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) to discuss measures to mitigate the impact of rising oil prices on the air transport sector. The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Marcos and PSAC identified several measures to mitigate the immediate impact of rising fuel costs, including those affecting air transport, and to ensure affordability, operational stability and minimal disruption to mobility and supply chains. “President Marcos also underscored the administration’s commitment to work closely with the aviation sector in pursuing other measures to secure a steady supply of oil and fuel amid global tightening, and to cushion the impact of price increases to the traveling public,” the PCO said. During the meeting, the DOTr reported that the government, through the Civil Aeronautics Board, adopted a 15-day airfare price monitoring and implementation cycle for the imposition of passenger and cargo fuel surcharges on domestic and international flights. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines also approved the reduction of passenger service and airport navigation charges in government-operated airports. The initiative aims to provide a temporary cushion for airlines and passengers. Airlines operating at Ninoy Aquino International Airport have asked the government to lower airport fees to help manage soaring jet fuel prices. Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Eric Ines confirmed that the airline association submitted a formal request to the DOTr seeking a discount on operational charges. Airlines are requesting an extension or removal of the three-hour parking cap, along with a general fee reduction. According to Ines, some carriers are also seeking waivers for aircraft stranded by Middle East tensions. The MIAA chief said that the agency will gather all the concerns from the airlines before raising them with the DOTr. However, Ines clarified that changes will not be implemented immediately, as they must undergo a formal process and receive approval from the MIAA board, DOTr and the Cabinet. MIAA warned that airfares may increase this April as the Civil Aeronautics Board raises the fuel surcharge to Level 8. Ticket prices are expected to rise depending on the distance traveled and global oil price movements. The Airline Operators Council, the Board of Airline Representatives and other stakeholders are scheduled to meet with the MIAA and DOTr on Tuesday, March 24, to discuss the impact of rising global fuel costs.