The Department of Transportation (DOTr) offered free rides for all vaccinated authorized persons outside of residence (APORs) against COVID-19 in the Metropolitan Rail Transit (MRT)-3, Light Rail Transit (LRT)-2, and the Philippine National Railways (PNR) starting August 3 to August 20.
According to the DOTr, the free rides aim to help the national government in encouraging the public to get vaccinated amid the threat of the Delta variant.
For its first day, the MRT-3 separated the vaccinated APORs from the unvaccinated before entering the station. They are then asked to confirm their vaccination through presenting a valid ID along with their vaccination card.
After their confirmation, they will be given a magnetic card that will serve as a pass for the vaccinated passengers. It will be surrendered before leaving the train station.
In relation to this, airports and seaports also offer free coffee, water, and snacks for vaccinated passengers.
Meanwhile, the DOTr believes that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will expedite their request to use the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s (LTFRB) national budget to implement again the free ride or “libreng sakay” in the EDSA Busway amid the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
Report from Karen Villanda/NGS-rir
