Commuters Alert: Enjoy Free MRT-3 Rides From March 28-April 30

Passengers of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) can enjoy free rides for a month, President Rodrigo Duterte announced on March 22.

The free rides will take effect on March 28 to April 30 following the completion of the rail system’s rehabilitation project.

Duterte made the announcement during the completion ceremony of the MRT-3 rehabilitation yesterday. Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade said the free rides cover all MRT-3 stations.

The MRT-3’s speed accelerated to 60 kilometers per hour from 25 kph, while the number of operating trains rose to 23 from as few as 13, according to the DOTr. Meanwhile, the headway or the waiting time between trains shortened to 3.5 minutes from around 10 minutes.

The MRT-3 rehabilitation project saw all of its 72 Light Rail Vehicles restored, and rail tracks replaced and rehabilitated. The line's power supply, overhead catenary system, communications and signaling system, and stations, as well as depot facilities and equipment were also upgraded, the DOTr added.