After a too few issues with the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) System-3 malfunctioning, the agency said that in celebration of the Elderly Filipino week, senior citizens would be able to enjoy free MRT-3 rides until October 7, 2019. Yes, you read that right, free!
Let's find out specifics on this privilege given to senior citizens.
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Is there a schedule when senior citizens can take advantage of these free MRT-3 rides?
As per the advisory of the MRT-3, the elderly can take advantage of these free rides from the 1st of October until the 7th of October, 2019.
For the time, they can take ride the MRT-3 for free and take advantage of it from 5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; the whole day of operations of the MRT-3.
How can senior citizens use these free rides?
As per the management of the MRT-3, should a senior choose to ride the MRT-3, they would only need to present their senior citizen ID. If a senior citizen won't be able to present this, they can present any identification card (that has a birth date) to prove that they are sixty (60) years old and up to avail of the free ride.
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In case you're wondering, the Elderly Filipino Week is pursuant to the Proclamation No. 470, which was issued back on Sept. 26, 1994.
This looks to increase public awareness on the different issues concerning older people. As a form to address and recognize them, the MRT-3 management decided to give free MRT-3 rides to the elderly.
Is there a limit for seniors?
No limit has been discussed by the management of the MRT-3 about how many rides senior citizens can ride in taking advantage of the Elderly Filipino week.
Read: Where Can Students Register For The Free Train Rides?
So long as they provide necessary document as proof that they are seniors, they can ride the MRT-3 for free.
PH Gov't free rides to students
To give you a brief refresher, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) started offering free rides to students back in July of this year.
These free rides, to clarify, does not only involve MRT-3 rides; it also includes the Philippine National Railways (PNR) and the Light Rail Transit (LRT).
Since this change, the management team of the MRT-3 said that they were able to provide approximately around 106,000 students free rides. These range from pre-school students up to college students (excluding those who are currently in graduate/doctorate/masters).
Read: All Year Round 20% Discount to Student Fare, Signed Into Law
You can know more about how these free train rides to students work in our previous article. Click here if you want to know more.
Even when classes are suspended?
Unfortunately, class suspensions are one (1) out of two (2) ways when these free rides cannot be effective; the second being holidays.
The MRT-3 management said that this looks to decrease the number of passengers during peak hours by encouraging students to go to school and back home early. Moreover, to help students save money on transportation.
Read: A Bill That Bans Classes That Would Start Earlier Than 8:30 A.M.
Layunin ng nasabing inisyatibo na matulungan ang mga mag-aaral mula preschool hanggang kolehiyo, kasama na ang mula sa mga trade/vocational school na makatipid sa pamasahe."
In Translation: The goal of our initiative to give free MRT-3 rides to students is to help them; from pre-school to college, including those in trade/vocational schools to save money on fares.
This one (1) week privilege to senior citizens, however, is to make the public aware of what situation our elderly is in and to, of course, help them with their fares.
So if you know a senior citizen who frequents the MRT-3, better to tell them of this free ride now! It spans for the whole day but it ends on Monday, October 7th, 2019.
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This is just one (1) of the many aids given by the managements of the public transport in our country. Let us patronize, support, and conspire with these agencies in enhancing the experiences of daily commuters in Manila.
Source/s: The Philippine Daily Inquirer | The Philippine News Agency
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