DOTr clarifies free train ride eligibility this Christmas amid public confusion: 'We don’t have to be very strict'
The Department of Transportation on Thursday clarified confusion surrounding the rules for free train rides being offered this holiday season, particularly concerning passenger eligibility.
The confusion arose after the DOTr announced on Wednesday that it would offer free train rides on the LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 routes from Dec. 14 to 25.
The public immediately raised questions after details emerged that specific sectors were eligible on specific dates. The most pressing questions centered on the eligibility requirements for the LGBTQ community, who were designated for free rides on Dec. 22.
"How will they classify and check the status of each passenger for the eligibility?" asked one commuter.
On Thursday, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez explained that commuters may avail of the free rides multiple times as they may fall under the various eligible sectors identified throughout the 12 days.
“The basic rule, since ito po ay pamaskong handog, sinabihan ko na po ang ating kasamahan sa LRT-1, LRT-2, at MRT-3 that we don’t have to be very strict [sa libreng sakay]. Ito naman po ay regalo ng ating Pangulo,” Lopez said in a statement.
“Sa mga pasahero naman nating nasa LGBTQIA+, walang requirement. They just have to get their free ticket, and say that they are availing of the free ride, no questions asked,” he explained.
For the other eligible categories, the DOTr informed PhilSTAR L!fe that commuters must present the corresponding identification cards to avail of the free rides.
"Other categories na may IDs naman like senior citizens, students, PWDs, solo parents, will be required to present. Pero others, tulad ng kasambahays, LGBT, no need to present an ID. They just have to tell the guards or tellers na they are kasambahays, then they will be allowed to ride for free. No Qs asked."
The "libreng sakay" will take place for 12 days, beginning on Dec. 14 and will last until Dec. 25. But the catch is that only certain individuals are free of charge, depending on the day:
- Dec. 14 – Senior Citizens
- Dec. 15 – Students
- Dec. 16 – Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their family
- Dec. 17 – Teachers, Health Workers
- Dec. 18 – Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and male passengers
- Dec. 19 – Government employees
- Dec. 20 – Female passengers
- Dec. 21 – Families (no matter how many members)
- Dec. 22 – Solo Parents and members of the LGBTQIA+ community
- Dec. 23 – Private Sector Employees, Household Workers
- Dec. 24 – Uniformed Personnel, Veterans, and their families
- Dec. 25 – All commuters
"Sama-sama nating ipagdiwang ang Pasko dahil Merry ang Christmas sa bawat biyahe," the department said.
