MRT-3 ‘Libreng Sakay’ program tallies nearly two million passengers in its first week

The Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) served nearly two million passengers during the first week of its ‘Libreng Sakay’ program intended to celebrate the recently completed rehabilitation of the railway system. A total of 1,934,424 passengers enjoyed free rides aboard the MRT-3 from March 28 to April 3, 2022.

The MRT-3 welcomed 309,225 passengers on Friday, April 1, 2022, the highest figure since the start of COVID-19 lockdowns. The number also represents a 19.4 percent increase in ridership over the previous week. Pre-pandemic, the MRT-3 system averaged between 250,000 to 300,000 passengers per day.

In preparation for increased ridership due to the onset of lighter pandemic restrictions, MRT-3 management has begun deploying new trainsets. The CKD and Dalian trains can each load up to 394 passengers in one car. The four-car train sets can carry 1,576 passengers each at their maximum capacity. These trains can also function in a three-car configuration, in which 1,182 passengers can come aboard. 

The MRT-3 continues to offer free rides as part of its ‘Libreng Sakay’ program until April 30, 2022. Operating hours for the MRT-3 are between 4:40 AM to 10:10 PM. Commuters have until the end of the month to enjoy fare-less rides aboard the rehabilitated MRT-3 system.