LRT-2, MRT-3 give free rides to commemorate DOTr's 125th year

MANILA, Philippines — The Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) and Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) will be giving commuters free rides on Wednesday during the two line's peak hours.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) shared the news in lieu of the agency's 125th founding anniversary.

The free rides will be from 7 a.m. to 7 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday.

"Warm greetings to all emmployees and officials of [DOTr] who are celebrating their 125th anniversary this year," said Transport Assistant Secretary for Railways and MRT-3 Officer-in-Charge Jorjette Aquino in Filipino on Wednesday.

"The FREE RIDES given by the MRT-3 is in celebration and proof of the line's support to the mission of the Department in giving safe, comfortable and reliable public transportation. Long live transport workers and the Filipino riding public!"

While the DOTr also owns and operates the Philippine National Railways (PNR), there is no announcement yet whether free rides are also available at PNR. 

Meanwhile, free rides are unavailable at the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), which has been already privatized and operated by the Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC). It is still owned by the DOTr and the public sector operator Light Rail Transit Authority.

It could be remembered that Gacio Gonzaga served as the Secretary of Public Welfare, a department which included the transportation and communications portfolio, from Jan. 21, 1899 to May 7, 1899 under the Malolos Constitution.

Gonzaga served alongside Apolonario Mabini who was then the president of the Cabinet (prime minister).