Over 130,000 Benefited in First Two Days of Marcos Administration's Free Holiday Rail Ride Program

The Marcos administration has successfully served more than 130,000 passengers in the first two days of its free holiday rail ride program, which covers the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2), and Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3). This initiative aims to provide increased mobility support to students, senior citizens, and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) during the holiday season.

Under the program, eligible sectors can avail themselves of free rides from December 20, 2023, through January 5, 2024, encompassing the peak holiday travel period across Metro Manila. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and respective rail operators are coordinating closely to ensure smooth implementation, efficient passenger flow, and continuous service throughout the coverage period.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. emphasized the administration’s commitment to treating mobility as a form of social support, reinforcing the inclusive nature of public transportation. "Reliable mobility. Tireless service. Public transport that cares," he said in a recent statement, underscoring his vision as the "Reliable Champion of Everyday Commuters."

"We want to ease the burden on our students who travel daily to their schools, support our seniors during their outings, and honor our OFWs by providing convenient and free transport during the holidays," Marcos added.

The program is part of the broader "Maasahan at Masipag" governance framework, spotlighting the government's dedication to dependable and hardworking public service that directly benefits ordinary Filipinos.

Rail operator authorities have reported an uptick in ridership, with combined usage surpassing 65,000 passengers per day since the program’s launch. Measures including increased train frequency and enhanced passenger assistance have been put into place to accommodate the surge.

DOTr Undersecretary for Railways reiterated, "This initiative showcases how transportation policy can double as social welfare, especially for vulnerable and deserving sectors. We remain committed to further improving service delivery under President Marcos’ leadership."

As the holiday season continues, the free rail ride program is expected to maintain its momentum, providing much-needed relief and mobility benefits to thousands more commuters across Metro Manila's urban rail network.