Marcos's 'Libreng Sakay' benefits 4.3M commuters on Labor Day

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s 'Libreng Sakay' initiative provided free rides for nearly 4.3 million commuters across three rail services in Metro Manila during Labor Day.

Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon stated that the program honors workers and reduces daily commuting costs, aligning with President Marcos's directive to institutionalize this practice annually.

The Light Rail Transit Lines 1 (LRT-1), Line 2 (LRT-2), and the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) saw significant increases in ridership during the free ride period.

Light Rail Manila Corporation president Enrico Benipayo emphasized the importance of collaboration between private and public sectors to enhance commuting experiences for Filipinos.

The Light Rail Transit Authority reported a record number of passengers on May 2 at LRT-2, with 234,888 riders, surpassing previous post-pandemic records.

MRT-3 also recorded a record high of 481,156 passengers on April 30 during the free ride period.

The initiative aimed to show appreciation for Filipino workers and promote public trust in mass transportation systems.