FREE RIDES TO LRT-1, LRT-2 AND MRT COMMUTERS ON DECEMBER 20

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced free rides for light rail and metro rail passengers on the last Friday before Christmas (Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN News)

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Thursday that the public will get free train rides on LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 on Friday, December 20 to help ease the financial burden of commuters and as a Christmas offering from the government.

Marcos said about 1.1 million passengers are expected to ride the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Lines 1 and 2 as well as the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3, the highest ridership recorded for this year. The government will subsidize P24.42 million worth of train fares today.

“This initiative is a simple way to reduce the costs of our countrymen who are busy preparing for Christmas. I hope it will bring relief and everyone will feel the concern of the government during the Christmas season,” he said.

Transportation Sec. Cesar Chavez said the free rides will be available from the opening until the closing of train operations on Friday. He said the Palace picked Friday since it is expected to be the busiest day this weekend.

"Usually the last Friday before Christmas has the most passengers on the train. That goes to bus terminals in Caloocan, Manila, Pasay, Cubao, North Avenue, plus PITX,” Chavez stated.

"The Office of the President will subsidize this free ride. That means, how much revenue should be LRMC on Line 1, LRTA on Line 2 and DOTr on MRT3 on this day will be paid to them by the OP (Office of the President.)," he added.

This holiday initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to providing practical support for Filipinos amid rising transportation costs and economic challenges. Further announcements regarding public transportation and holiday-related programs are anticipated as the Christmas season progresses.

Source: ABS-CBN News 

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