As per Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) announcement on Wednesday, April 27, the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) free rides is extended until May 30, 2022 following its operating hours from 4:40am to 10:10pm.
To recap, the MRT free rides has started on March 28 and supposedly scheduled to end this April 30 to inaugurate and promote the completion of the newly-rehabilitated MRT-3.
Read: MRT-3 free rides from March 28 to April 30, 2022
According to DOTr, led by Secretary Arthur Tugade partnered with DOTr MRT-3 Management, the extension is to ease the financial burden of his fellow countrymen amid the skyrocketing prices of fuel products and increase of workers returning in offices.
Recent report from DOTr stated that from March 1 to March 27, there is a total of 241,800 MRT-3 riders a day. However, from March 28 to April 26, an increase of 26.95% has been recorded, tallying an average of 7,227,434 ridership of the monthlong free rides.
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Base on MRT-3 record, an average weekdays of the MRT accounts to 250,000 t0 300,000 prior to the COVID-19, the extension allows the MRT-3 to further test its capacity in accommodating approximately 350,000 daily passengers.
How to avail the MRT-3 free rides?
To get a free ride on the fully rehabilitated MRT-3 trains, you just simply need to follow the steps provided by the Metro Rail Transit below.
Step 1: Get a single journey ticket at the station ticketing station. The ticket is free of any charge.
Step 2: To enter the platform, tap the single journey ticket at the automatic gate.
Read: Where Can Students Register For The Free Train Rides?
Step 3: Ride the train until you reach your destination station.
Step 4: After leaving the platform, insert the single journey ticket into the automatic gate to exit the station.
Note: You must take care of your single journey ticket and make sure that you don’t lose it because there will be a penalty worth fifty pesos for the loss or damage of a single journey ticket.
For stored value or Beep card users:
Step 1: Tap your card at the automatic gate to enter the platform.
Step 2: After leaving the train, just tap your card at the automatic gate. No amount will decreased on your card balance.
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Note: Your Beep card should be active and not be expired in order for you to use it.
Moreover, the same MRT-3 safety protocols should be followed by commuters. All passengers need to go through baggage checking, temperature check and comply with minimum health protocols in line.
Read: Free Rides to Students, Offered by the DOTr
Source: DOTr