More than 57,000 train passengers have so far benefitted from the Department of Transportation's (DOTr) free ride program for authorized persons outside of residence or APORs who have already received their coronavirus disease (COVID-19) shots.
DOTr Assistant Secretary Goddes Hope Libiran told reporters that a total of 57,784 APORs have availed of free rides during the first day of its implementation on Tuesday, Aug. 3.
Based on the data shared by Libiran, 40,710 of the total commuters rode trains on the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3); 13,708 on the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2); and 3,366 on the Philippine National Railways (PNR).
Meanwhile, the MRT-3 management reminded qualified passengers to present their vaccination cards and identification cards such as company ID to avail of the free ride.
Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade earlier directed MRT-3, LRT-2, and PNR to implement free train rides for vaccinated APORs starting Aug. 3 until Aug. 20--or the end of the reimposition of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila.
Tugade said the move is part of the department's efforts to support the government's national vaccination program and encourage more people to get their jabs.
"This is one way of walking the good path towards the realization of new normal," he explained.