Several senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) expressed their gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for delivering on his promise to increase the fare discount from 20 percent to 50 percent on the Metro Rail Transit (MRT)-3, Light Rail Transit (LRT)-1, and LRT-2.

Dozens of senior citizens wearing red shirts cheered when President Marcos arrived at the Santolan-Annapolis MRT-3 Station on Wednesday for the launch of the 50 percent fare discount for senior citizens and PWDs.

One of them was Lilia dela Cruz, 72, of South Signal Village, Taguig, a widow and unemployed.

“Maganda po. Maganda ‘yan para sa aming mahihirap na matulungan kami sa discount sa pagsakay sa tren,” said Dela Cruz, who has two children, one of whom is a PWD, and six grandchildren.

Dela Cruz expressed her gratitude for the government benefits that have been initiated and implemented since President Marcos assumed office.

“Maraming biyaya. Nakakatanggap kami kahit papaano. Mahirap lang kami pero nakakaraos din. Kaya nagpapasalamat ako sa kanya po,” Dela Cruz said.

Francisco Laurente Capuyan, 82, who resides in a tenement in Taguig, thanked President Marcos for the new benefit.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako kasi nakakatulong po ito sa amin. Thank you, Mr. President,” said Capuyan.

For her part, Aida Torio, 69, a widow, resident of Manila with four children, said she rides the trains every day.

“President BBM marami pong salamat sa diskwento na ito sa MRT at LRT kasi malaking bagay po sa amin ito sa mga senior,” said Torio.

“Pandagdag ng pang merienda o kaya makaipon para sa mga gamot namin, at sa maintenance,” she said.

According to President Marcos, the 50 percent fare discount on MRT-3, LRT-1 and LRT-2 will benefit 13 million senior citizens and 7 million PWDs.

Last month, President Marcos launched the Pamilya Pass 1+3 Promo on MRT-3, LRT-1, and LRT-2, where one ticket accommodates up to four passengers.

The program helps to reduce travel expenses for families, friends, and groups traveling together. | PND