In commemoration of International Women’s Day, the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) and Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) have announced complimentary rides for Filipino women on Friday, March 8.
Last Wednesday, a joint announcement from the privately held MRT-3 and the government-run LRT-2 stated that the “libreng sakay” (free rides) program will be available on both lines at a certain time—7 a.m. until nine in the morning. and 5:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. tomorrow.
In Filipino, LRTA administrator Hernando Cabrera said, “Our free rides for women are the [Light Rail Transit Authority’s] way of saying thank you. We hope that our simple gesture could make you feel that you’re important to us.” Cabrera expressed gratitude for women’s indisputable contributions to society.
Jorjette Aquino, Officer-in-Charge of MRT-3 and Assistant Secretary for Railways in the Transportation Department, reiterated the remark, highlighting the critical role women play in the advancement of the Philippines as a whole.
“In the MRT-3 alone, there are our ticket sellers, security personnel, station supervisors, and other ordinary women that ensure the orderly and safe trip of our passengers. It’s only fitting that we pay tribute and support our women, especially on their special day.”
As of right moment, neither LRT-1 nor the Philippine National Railways (PNR) have confirmed that they will be providing comparable free rides on tomorrow.
As part of the celebrations for Women’s Month, the Philippine Coast Guard earlier revealed that it will be offering free bus transportation for “Juanas” on a few days in March. The project, led by the PCG’s Gender and Development Center, will run from Quezon City’s Cubao to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) and back.
