The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Wednesday announced the extension of free rides, for the third straight month, to all passengers of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) until June 30, 2022.
"In light of positive feedback from commuters who benefitted from the program and to continue serving more passengers affected by rising fuel prices and inflation, the MRT-3 and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) have decided to extend the FREE RIDE program until end of June," the DOTr said in a statement.
The free ride program, which was launched on March 28, will remain available to all passengers who will take the MRT-3 anytime between the rail line’s operating hours from 4:40 AM and 10:10 PM.
"Malaking kapakinabangan 'yung LIBRENG SAKAY para sa ating mga kababayan. 'Yung malaking natitipid nila sa pamasahe at 'yung comfort and convenience ng paggamit ng isinaayos na MRT-3, gusto natin magtuluy-tuloy 'yan. Kaya naman, napagdesisyunan po natin na i-extend ang LIBRENG SAKAY ng isa pang buwan para na rin mas marami pang pasahero ang makinabang at matulungan ng programa," DOTr Sec. Arthur Tugade said.
MRT-3 OIC-General Manager and Director for Operations Michael J. Capati, meanwhile, emphasized the record-breaking achievements of MRT-3 during the implementation of the program, including hitting a 351,952 ridership on 20 May 2022, the highest number of passengers that the line recorded since it went back to operations on June 2020.
