More than 50,000 vaccinated individuals availed free train ride

Previously, we have reported about the Department of Transportation (DOTr)’s free train ride offer to vaccinated authorized persons outside of residence (APOR). This offer includes APORs who have been vaccinated with either a first or second dose.

An exclusive offer to vaccinated APORs

Now, the government agency announced that it managed to provide free train rides to as much as 57,784 APORs on its first day, August 3. DOTr Secretary Art Tugade said that the free train ride for vaccinated APORs will be available until August 20 this year.

13,708 of which are covered by the Light Rail Transit 2 (LRT-2). Meanwhile, the Philippine National Railway (PNR) accommodated 3,366 vaccinated APORs. Lastly, the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) served the most in the free train ride’s first day with 40,710 train passengers.

The first day of DOTr's free train ride

The MRT-3 management assured that it will maintain a 30 percent maximum passenger capacity, translating to 124 passengers per train car. It has also shared that it recently overhauled 25 of its trains to ensure safety within its operations.

This initiative will be beneficial for Filipino commuters as public transportation will get stricter due to the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) starting August 6. And just like the free train ride, the ECQ will be effective until August 20 only.

To avail of DOT’s free train ride, commuters must present two things, namely a valid ID and vaccination card. The vaccination card will serve as proof that they have officially taken a COVID-19 vaccine, while the valid ID will be used to verify that they are part of the listed APOR which can be seen below:

1. Health and emergency frontline services
2. Uniformed personnel
3. Government officials and employees of official travel
4. Authorized relief and humanitarian assistance groups
5. People traveling to and from the airport
6. People traveling for medical or humanitarian purposes
7. Employees working in industries permitted to operate
8. Public utility vehicle operators

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