Marcos Administration’s Free Holiday Rail Ride Program Benefits Over 130,000 Passengers in Two Days

The Marcos administration has successfully served over 130,000 passengers from the sectors of students, senior citizens, and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in just the first two days of its free holiday rail ride program. This initiative spans the LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 lines, aiming to ease travel burdens during the holiday season.

Implemented by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in coordination with the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) and the Metro Rail Transit Corporation, the program covers rides from December 20 to January 5, enabling the eligible sectors to commute without fare across Metro Manila’s key rail networks.

"Under President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s Maasahan at Masipag governance, mobility is treated not just as travel, but as social support," said a DOTr official. "Our message is clear: Reliable mobility. Tireless service. Public transport that cares. We want to be the reliable champion of everyday commuters."

According to initial reports, the ridership during the first two days peaked with more than 130,000 beneficiaries availing the service, with students and senior citizens representing the majority, followed closely by OFWs traveling to and from airports and transit hubs.

The free ride initiative demonstrates the Marcos administration’s commitment to providing social assistance through practical and impactful means. By removing fare barriers during the busy holiday season, it alleviates financial pressure and encourages use of mass transit, contributing to decongesting road traffic.

The LRTA and MRT agencies are also deploying additional personnel to ensure safety and efficient passenger flow, reflecting the administration’s focus on tireless service and public transport that genuinely cares.

Residents and commuters have welcomed the program enthusiastically, with many praising it as a tangible example of President Marcos Jr.’s campaign promise of dependable and inclusive governance.

The free ride program is set to continue through January 5, 2025, providing sustained relief and convenience for thousands of Filipinos who rely on the rail system daily.

As the holiday season progresses, the Marcos administration’s emphasis on social support via mobility programs highlights its ongoing efforts to uplift daily lives through reliable infrastructure and heartfelt public service.