President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 rides are free for all commuters today, December 20.
"Ikinagagalak kong ipabatid sa ating mga mananakay na libre ang sakay sa LRT-1, LRT-2, at MRT-3 bukas, Disyembre 20, 2024," Marcos said in a statement on Thursday.
Furthermore, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) described the free ride as an "early Christmas gift from the President."
Marcos directed the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Finance and Administration (ODESFA) to release funds to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) for the implementation of free rides.
"Ang inisyatibong ito ay isang simpleng paraan upang maibsan ang gastos ng ating mga kababayang abala sa paghahanda para sa Pasko, said Marcos.
"Nawa’y magdulot ito ng ginhawa at maramdaman ng lahat ang malasakit ng pamahalaan ngayong kapaskuhan," he added.
An estimated 1.1 million passengers are expected to benefit from the free train ride, the largest number this year.
In response to increased passenger demand, the MRT and LRT systems previously extended their operating hours for the Christmas season.