MRT-3 sustains daily passenger record as free rides end

MANILA, Philippines — The Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) has sustained a daily average of 300,000 passengers despite the termination of the libreng sakay or free ride program, according to the rail line’s figures.

A total of 321,978 commuters rode MRT-3 trains last Monday, while the rail line carried a total of 317,351 commuters last Tuesday.

During the implementation of the libreng sakay from March 28 to June 30, the EDSA rail line recorded surges in daily passenger headcount that surpassed the 300,000-level and even reached over 380,000 passengers last June 10.

The figure broke the previous daily records of an average 250,000 to 300,000 commuters before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country in 2020.

Meanwhile, newly designated Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, a former airline executive, reported during President Marcos’ first Cabinet meeting that he inspected the MRT-3 operations last Tuesday “by riding incognito as a passenger” from GMA-Kamuning to Taft Avenue stations.

Bautista learned that passengers would still ride the MRT-3, which they described as “fast and comfortable,” even without the libreng sakay and despite having to endure long lines going to the stations and boarding the coaches.

In recommendations filed before Transportation Undersecretary Cesar Chavez and newly appointed MRT-3 general manager Ofelia Astrera, Bautista said his agency is pushing to add platform waiting seats for senior citizens, disabled persons and pregnant women; make Consumer Welfare Desks to all passengers more accessible; add X-ray machines; add full ticket counter complement; make emergency medical technicians available at all stations; promote stored-value tickets instead of single-journey tickets to reduce lines and enhance onboard announcements.

148 million free rides

Over 148 million free rides were given to commuters nationwide during the service contracting program’s third phase, which was rolled out in April, according to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

The LTFRB yesterday said 118 routes in Metro Manila have serviced commuters from April 11 to June 16, while 28 other routes finished the free ride program on June 30.

“The LTFRB recorded a total number of 148,670,446 riders nationwide under the Service Contracting Program (SCP) Phase 3, from April 11 to July 4, 2022,” it added, noting that free rides were offered in all regions, except the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Meanwhile, the agency revealed that free rides would continue to be offered along the EDSA Busway Carousel until December as approved by Malacañang earlier this month.

Under the SCP – another component of the government’s response to rising fuel prices, together with the fuel subsidy – operators and drivers will provide free rides to commuters and will be compensated by the government weekly.

Under the program, the government will also cover fuel expenses, disinfection, monthly amortization and other overhead expenses.

“The agency continues to believe that the additional income for participants as well as the fare saved by commuters will be a big help to meet their daily needs, especially now that many of our countrymen continue to have their livelihoods affected because of the COVID-19 pandemic and continued increases in fuel and commodities,” the LTFRB said. – Neil Jayson Servallos