The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that it will extend its free rides program on the MRT-3 (Metro Rail Transit 3) until May 30, 2022.
The MRT-3 free rides program will be extended
For a short recap, the MRT-3 free rides program was first rolled out by the government agency last March 28, and is scheduled to end on April 30. The rising fuel prices are the main reason for the introduction of the free ride program to aid commuters with their daily travels.
The Department of Energy (DOE) even reported that gasoline prices could reach Php 100 per liter if oil prices in the global market continue to surge. This is why efforts such as the extended free rides on the MRT-3 and fuel subsidies are vital in these challenging times.
Commuters can avail of the extended free rides on MRT-3 during the rail service’s operating hours from 4:40 a.m. to 10:10 p.m. A total of 7,227,434 passengers have been served by the program since it was launched last month.
The free rides program will benefit commuters amid rising fuel prices
In addition, the program is also an opportunity to test the MRT-3’s capacity and performance in accommodating around 350,000 passengers daily. It will promote the improved services and facilities of the rail line for the convenience of the Filipino commuter.
“Amid various challenges, such as inflation, rising fuel prices, and the still prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, the DOTr carries on with implementing important initiatives to help the Filipino people and provide additional support to our commuters to help ease their financial burden in this trying times,” said DOTr in a Facebook post.
Aside from the MRT-3 free ride program, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has also started offering free rides to commuters. It consists of routes from the North Luzon Express Terminal (NLET) to Cubao, as well as from NLEX to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX). The agency said that more routes will be added in the coming days.
Don’t miss the latest news in the transport sector at Philkotse.com.