By Brian Campued
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Wednesday launched new lighting systems across all 13 stations of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 amid the holiday rush.
In a statement Thursday, the DOTr said that along with the enhanced lighting system, the Philippine National Police (PNP) will also increase police visibility to ensure the safety of Metro Manila commuters.
“Ang kautusan po ng ating Pangulo na pailawan ang 13 stations ng MRT-3. Hindi pa po ito nangyayari sa kasaysayan ng MRT-3. Sa iba maaaring ito ay simpleng proyekto, pero kadalasan ang ganitong simpleng proyekto—ito po ay mas lalong nagbibigay ng makabuluhang epekto sa ating mamamayan,” Transportation Sec. Giovanni Lopez said.
Acting Police Chief PLt.Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. likewise assured that the PNP will ensure peace and order across all stations, not just of the MRT-3 but also of Light Rail Transit (LRT) Lines 1 and 2.
“The PNP is committed to support the MRT and LRT, lalong-lalo na that this is convergence about peace and order and even public safety. We are always in coordination with the different [rail line] station managers, to improve [peace and order],” Nartatez said.
The new lighting system comes ahead of the scheduled free rides for train passengers starting Dec. 14 to 25, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to provide commuters with a safe and comfortable travel experience amid the Christmas rush.
The sectors who are eligible for free rides at MRT-3, LRT-1, and LRT-2 on specific dates are as follows:
- Dec. 14 – senior citizens
- Dec. 15 – students
- Dec. 16 – overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families
- Dec. 17 – teachers and health workers
- Dec. 18 – persons with disabilities (PWDs) and male passengers
- Dec. 19 – government employees
- Dec. 20 – female passengers
- Dec. 21 – families (regardless of number of members)
- Dec. 22 – solo parents and members of the LGBTQIA+ community
- Dec. 23 – private sector employees and house helpers
- Dec. 24 – uniformed personnel, veterans, and their families
- Dec. 25 – all commuters
-av
