Gov’t extends MRT-3 free-ride offering until May 30
THE TRANSPORTATION department announced on Wednesday that the free-ride program of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) will be extended through May.
The objective is to continue to help commuters who have been affected by the increase in commodity and energy prices, the Department of Transportation (DoTr) said in a statement.
“This is also intended to allow more people to benefit from the improved service of the newly-rehabilitated MRT-3 line,” it said in mixed Filipino and English.
The free-ride offering was launched in March with the goal of restoring confidence in the key commuter train line after an extensive overhaul.
The extension of the program, the department said, will further “test its capacity and performance in accommodating up to or more than 350,000 passengers.”
“The MRT-3 free ride extension will be under the same schedule/operating hours of the rail line from 4:40 a.m. to 10:10 p.m., while similar mechanics/procedures on availing the ‘Libreng Sakay’ as well as health and safety protocols will be implemented,” it added.
The department noted that prior to the program’s implementation, the MRT-3 recorded the highest ridership of 258,989 on March 25. During the implementation of the free ride, the highest was 335,993 recorded on April 8. — Arjay L. Balinbin
