DOTr Announces 12 Days of Free Rides for the Holidays
The Department of Transportation announced it will be giving free rides through the MRT and LRT beginning December 14 for passengers
The Christmas season is officially in full swing—parties everywhere, reunions left and right, and kids counting down the days until their break. But as any parent or commuter knows, the holidays also mean one thing: traffic that tests everyone’s patience.
Understanding just how challenging it has become to move around the metro, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has rolled out a welcome surprise for Filipino commuters. Beginning December 14, the agency is offering 12 days of free rides across MRT-3, LRT-1, and LRT-2—perfectly timed for the busiest weeks of the year.
12 Days of Christmas Free Rides
In its announcement, the DOTr shared that the free rides will run from December 14 to 25, with each day dedicated to a specific sector. Here’s the complete schedule:
- December 14 – Senior Citizens
- December 15 – Students
- December 16 – OFWs and their families
- December 17 – Teachers and Health Workers
- December 18 – Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and male passengers
- December 19 – Government Employees
- December 20 – Female Passengers
- December 21 – Families (no limit on number of members)
- December 22 – Solo Parents and LGBTQIA+ members
- December 23 – Private Sector Employees and Household Helpers
- December 24 – Uniformed Personnel, Veterans, and their families
- December 25 – All Commuters
The initiative follows President Bongbong Marcos’ directive to ensure smoother, safer, and more efficient travel for Filipinos during the holiday rush.
A Welcomed Break for Commuters
For many families—especially students navigating long commutes and parents juggling work, school activities, and holiday gatherings—this announcement couldn’t have come at a better time. The free ride days not only help ease transportation costs but also offer a chance to get around without worrying about the notorious December gridlock.
Whether you’re heading to a Christmas party, picking up gifts, or simply trying to make it home faster to spend more time with family, these free rides are a thoughtful boost during the busiest (and often most stressful) time of the year.
While the initiative runs only until December 25, it’s a meaningful move to help commuters get where they need to be—especially as traffic continues to intensify with the holiday rush.
More on Holiday tips
The Modern Parenting Guide to Surviving Holiday Traffic with Kids
Christmas Shopping? Here are the Christmas Bazaars 2025
PHOTOS: 2025 Christmas Displays Worth Visiting Within The Metro
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This is a holiday initiative by the DOTr offering free MRT-3, LRT-1, and LRT-2 rides from December 14 to 25. Each day highlights and prioritizes a specific commuter group—from students and solo parents to senior citizens and families.
The free rides cover the following:
MRT-3
LRT-1
LRT-2
No tickets or beep card deductions will be required on designated days.
Since these rides fall during the peak holiday rush, expect bigger crowds, especially on days featuring families, OFWs, and workers. To make the trip smoother with kids:
Travel early
Bring water and small snacks
Keep kids close and brief them before boarding
