The Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) major rail lines—LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3—successfully served a total of 2,841,788 passengers under its “12 Days of Christmas – Libreng Sakay” (Free Rides) program from December 14 to 25, 2025.
Implemented across the three rail systems, the program was carried out in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to help ease the burden on commuters during the yuletide season by providing free rail transport to various sectors for twelve consecutive days.
Among the rail lines, MRT-3 logged the highest ridership with 1,183,950 commuters, followed by LRT-1 with 1,091,951 passengers, and LRT-2 with 565,887 riders throughout the program period.
The highest single-day ridership was recorded on Christmas Day, December 25, when a total of 835,777 passengers availed of free rides across all three rail lines.
The second-highest turnout was posted on December 18, the designated day for combined Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and male passengers, with a total of 550,138 riders across the three systems.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the strong public response underscores the government’s commitment to making public transportation more inclusive, convenient, safe, and accessible to all Filipinos.
“This overwhelming response demonstrates the importance of accessible public transportation in the lives of Filipino families, especially during the Christmas season. We are honored to serve almost 3 million commuters through this program, providing them with safe, reliable, and free transportation as they celebrate the holidays with their loved ones,” Lopez said.
Under the program, specific days were designated for different beneficiary groups, including Senior Citizens, Students, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with their families, Teachers and Health Workers, PWDs and Male Passengers, Government Employees, Female Passengers, Families, the LGBTQIA+ community and Solo Parents, Private Sector Employees and Kasambahays, Uniformed Personnel, Veterans and their Families, and a final “Free for All” day. (LB)
