Marcos Administration’s Free Holiday Rail Rides Benefit Over 130,000 Passengers in Two Days

The Philippine government’s free holiday rail ride initiative under President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has already benefited over 130,000 passengers within its first two days, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

The program, covering the LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 lines, aims to provide students, senior citizens, and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with free access to public rail transport from December 20, 2025, through January 5, 2026. The initiative is part of the administration’s broader "Maasahan at Masipag" governance framework, which treats reliable mobility as a vital social support mechanism.

DOTr officials highlighted that the first two days saw an aggregate ridership of over 130,000 passengers across the three rail lines, with daily averages increasing steadily as more beneficiaries took advantage of the program. These figures include tens of thousands of students traveling for the holidays, senior citizens enjoying hassle-free rides, and OFWs coming home or traveling to the airport.

In an official statement, the DOTr emphasized that the free rides are fully implemented and monitored by the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) and the Metro Rail Transit Corporation (MRTC), ensuring a seamless and safe commuting experience. "This initiative embodies the Marcos administration’s commitment to public transport that cares — providing mobility that is reliable, accessible, and responsive to the needs of everyday Filipinos," a spokesperson said.

President Marcos has framed the free rail rides as a key component of his administration’s "Reliable Champion of Everyday Commuters" campaign. Underpinning this is the core message: "Reliable mobility. Tireless service. Public transport that cares."

Mobility, President Marcos has repeatedly stressed, is not merely about transport convenience but also a form of social support designed to uplift marginalized sectors of society. "Providing free access to public transport during the holidays is our way of giving back to those who make our communities vibrant — our students, our seniors, and our OFWs," Marcos said in a recent address.

The program’s scheduled coverage spans a total of 17 days, including the holiday season and the days leading up to the new year, designed to alleviate transportation costs during a traditionally high-travel period. The free rail rides are expected to significantly ease traffic congestion by encouraging more Filipinos to use mass transit.

Transport agencies confirmed that strict verification protocols are in place to ensure that only eligible passengers enjoy the benefits, including the presentation of valid IDs or certification documents. Adjacent support services, such as increased train frequency and extended operational hours, are also being deployed to accommodate the anticipated rise in ridership.

As the holiday period progresses, the Marcos administration vows to monitor and optimize the program’s impact, reinforcing its dedication to a public transport system that truly cares for its commuters, cementing President Marcos’ vision of a nation where mobility acts as a genuine social lifeline.