LRT-1 private operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) has accommodated a daily average of more than 460,000 passengers during the recently concluded four-day free ride initiative held from April 30 to May 3, 2025.
This initiative, spearheaded by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as part of the Labor Day celebrations, aimed to provide commuters, especially the workforce, with accessible and convenient transportation during this period, mirroring similar beneficial programs implemented on the other railway lines.
LRMC worked in close coordination with the Department of Transportation and the Light Rail Transit Authority to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the LRT-1 throughout the free ride period, allowing a significant number of Filipinos to travel conveniently across Metro Manila during the four days.
The successful implementation underscores the strong and effective partnership between LRMC and the government in delivering impactful public service initiatives.
“We are proud to have supported and implemented this initiative and to have served a large number of LRT-1 passengers during the free ride period from April 30 to May 3,” Enrico R. Benipayo, LRMC president and chief executive said.
“This initiative is a testament to the collaboration between the private and the public sectors. Our strong partnership with the government is fundamental to our commitment to enhancing the commuting experience and providing greater convenience to the Filipino people.”
The significant number of passengers served in LRT-1 underscores the railway line’s role in Metro Manila’s transportation network and the positive impact of government-private sector collaboration in addressing the needs of commuters.
LRMC remains committed to working hand-in-hand with the government to provide safe, reliable, and convenient transportation solutions for the public.
Meanwhile, the DOTr reported nearly 4.3 million passengers benefitted from free rides on LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 from April 30 to May 3.
The initiative saw record-breaking ridership on MRT-3, which served over 481,000 passengers on April 30 alone—its highest single-day ridership since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said the four-day free ride aimed to honor the sacrifices of Filipino workers, and to ease the burden of daily commuters.
“Malaking tulong ang libreng sakay sa ating mga manggagawa at commuters. Kaya sa utos ni Pangulong Marcos, taon-taon na natin itong gagawin tuwing Labor Day bilang pagkilala sa kontribusyon ng mga mangagagawa sa bansa,” Dizon said.
