Gov’t extends MRT-3 free-ride offering until May 30��

THE TRANSPORTATION department announced on Wednesday that the free-ride program of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) will be extended through May.����

The objective is to continue to help commuters who have been affected by the increase in commodity and energy prices, the Department of Transportation (DoTr) said in a statement.����

“This is also intended to allow more people to benefit from the improved service of the newly-rehabilitated MRT-3 line,” it said in mixed Filipino and English.����

The free-ride offering was launched in March with the goal of restoring confidence in the key commuter train line after an extensive overhaul.����

The extension of the program, the department said, will further “test its capacity and performance in accommodating up to or more than 350,000 passengers.”����

“The MRT-3 free ride extension will be under the same schedule/operating hours of the rail line from 4:40 a.m. to 10:10 p.m., while similar mechanics/procedures on availing the ‘Libreng Sakay’ as well as health and safety protocols will be implemented,” it added.��

The department noted that prior to the program’s implementation, the MRT-3 recorded the highest ridership of 258,989 on March 25. During the implementation of the free ride, the highest was 335,993 recorded on April 8.��— Arjay L. Balinbin��