QUEZON CITY (PIA) – For the third straight month, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has extended its MRT-3 ‘Libreng Sakay’ program until June 30, 2022, providing commuters another month of free rides.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, MRT-3 General Manager Michael Capati said the free ride program will remain available to all passengers who will take the MRT-3 between the rail line’s operating hours from 4:40 a.m to 10:10 p.m.

According to Capati, as of May 24, the MRT-3’s ‘Libreng Sakay’ program has serviced 15,730,872 with an average weekday ridership of 315,334 since it first started on March 28.

The free ride program was set to end originally on 30 April 2022, but was extended for another month until 30 May 2022.

“Iyong atin po kasing extension ay number one, I think, iyon pong ating pangangailangan na maayos natin ‘yung testing capacity natin,” Capati said.

In a statement, the DOTr with Secretary Art Tugade said the program would continue to help the public to ease their financial burden amid inflation and rising fuel prices.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Railways General Manager Jun Magno noted that it will be the decision of the next administration if they will adopt the ‘Libreng Sakay’ initiative. (JAFD/PIA-IDPD)