MRT-3, LRT-2 logs highest post-pandemic riderships due to PBBM’s ‘Libreng Sakay’

By Brian Campued

Over 1.2 million passengers benefitted from the government’s “libreng sakay” program on Wednesday following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

In a statement, the DOTr said the all-time high ridership numbers reflect an “overwhelmingly positive public response” to the “All Day Free Ride For All” program of the government for Labor Day.

The MRT-3 alone saw its highest ridership since the COVID-19 pandemic on the first day of the free ride program on April 30, with 481,156 passengers. This exceeds the previous post-pandemic high of 459,936 passengers recorded on Dec. 20, 2024.

The DOTr stressed that this latest ridership figures reflect the MRT-3’s “improved ability” to serve a higher volume of passengers.

“The remarkable increase in ridership clearly demonstrates the strong appreciation and positive impact of the President’s Labor Day initiative, providing much-needed relief not just for the Filipino workers but for all the commuters,” it said.

The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), likewise, announced that the LRT-2 ferried a total of 208,430 passengers on the first day of the Libreng Sakay program—surpassing the post-pandemic record of 206,817 commuters on Dec. 6, 2024.

“This achievement highlights that the train system continues to be the fastest, safest, and most affordable mode of transportation,” LRTA Administrator Hernando Cabrera stated.

The government is offering free train rides until May 3 in recognition of the dedication and sacrifices of workers as part of Labor Day celebrations.

-av