(SPOT.ph) The Department of Transportation launched the Libreng Sakay for Students Program in order to give free rides to students on the MRT-3, LRT-2, and PNR railways starting August, just as face-to-face classes are expected to resume for many. This announcement broke on the news on July 1. Now, July 13, a different announcement is being made.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is backtracking a bit on this train-track freebie, as they have announced that the LRT-2 will now be the only railway to offer free rides during the period of August 22 to November 4 of this year.
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DOTr Says Only LRT-2 Will be Free From August to November
DOTr Undersecretary Cesar Chavez told the press that their department was instructed by President Bongbong Marcos during a recent cabinet meeting to "recalibrate" their initial plan, saying “ang instruction ni presidente ay recalibrate the policy. That’s the word of the president. Recalibrate the policy.”
Chavez added that the decision to focus the program on the LRT-2 was due in part to more students riding the LRT-2 than both the MRT-3 and the PNR railways combined, with the LRT-2 having 4,500 students ride daily prior to the pandemic, while the MRT-3 and PNR have a combined total of 3,000 students.
The scaling down of the program follows news earlier this week that the DOTr is seeking an additional budget for the Libreng Sakay program that allowed commuters to take free bus rides on EDSA. The DOTr representative stated that they need an additional P1.4 billion to keep the free EDSA Carousel bus rides running until the end of the year.
The DOTr previously stated that all programs and initiatives are focused attempts on improving land transport programs, ahead of when face-to-face classes are scheduled to begin for most students within Metro Manila later this year.
Also read: LRT-2 Extends Operating Hours at Night
For more information, check out the official Department of Transportation - Philippines Facebook page.
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