Metro manila: Rail lines in Metro Manila will offer free rides to various sectors this holiday season. In a social media post Wednesday night, the Department of Transportation announced that the 12 days of "libreng sakay" (free rides) at the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Lines 1 and 2 and Metro Rail Transit 3 will start on Dec. 14 and runs until Christmas Day.
According to Philippines News Agency, this initiative complies with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to ensure a safe and convenient travel experience for commuters during the holiday season. The program is designed to benefit different segments of the population on designated days, offering an opportunity for many to enjoy cost-free travel across the city's rail network.
The schedules for the free rides are as follows: Dec. 14 will cater to senior citizens, allowing them to travel without any fare. Students will be the beneficiaries on Dec. 15, followed by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families on Dec. 16. Teachers and health workers will enjoy free rides on Dec. 17, while Dec. 18 is reserved for persons with disabilities and male passengers.
On Dec. 19, government employees will have the chance to ride for free. Female passengers are prioritized on Dec. 20, and families, regardless of the number of members, can travel without charge on Dec. 21. Solo parents and members of the LGBTQIA+ community will receive free rides on Dec. 22. The initiative extends to private sector employees and "kasambahays" (househelp) on Dec. 23.
Uniformed personnel, veterans, and their families will be honored with free rides on Dec. 24. Finally, on Dec. 25, the program opens up to all passengers, allowing everyone to travel freely on Christmas Day.
