Railway commuters can ride for free at select stations of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 2 for two weeks.
The "moratorium" on the railway fee between LRT-2's Antipolo station and Santolan station was made possible following the request made by President Duterte to Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade.
Duterte was attending the inauguration of the LRT Line 2 East Extension project, particularly the two new stations Marikina and Antipolo, Thursday when he made the appeal towards the end of his speech.
"Sabi ko 'Art, puwede bang isa, dalawa o kaya mo dalawang linggong libreng pasakay para naman maligayahan ‘yong mga tao, lalo na ‘yong mga estudyante. Can I ask for a moratorium sa bayad? Libre for two or three weeks?' (I asked Art, can you give a free ride for one or two weeks so our people especially the students will be happy? Can I ask for a moratorium on fares? Free for two or three weeks)," Duterte said in his remarks.
Tugade, who was onstage with the President, agreed with a proposed two-week free ride at the LRT-2.
Duterte commented: "Two weeks daw, kaya daw niya. Mabuhay si Art Tugade (Two weeks. He can do it. Long live Art Tugade.)
Moments later, Tugade clarified with the President about the scope of the LRT-2 trips that will be free of charge. Duterte then announced the two-week free ride will only cover the trip between Antipolo station and Santolan station.
In his prepared speech, the President lauded the completion of the LRT-2 east extension project, saying it was one of the hallmarks of this administration’s strong commitment to provide a better transportation system for all.
The opening of two additional LRT 2 stations is expected to raise the line’s daily capacity by 80,000 passengers. Travel time from Recto, Manila to Masinag, Antipolo will be reduced to just 40 minutes, from the usual three hours, according to the President.
The two new stations are expected to begin operations on July 5.
"Now, our commuters can travel faster, be more productive at work, and enjoy quality time with their loved ones, especially in the middle of this health crisis," Duterte said.
"Now, our commuters can travel faster to be productive and enjoy quality time in travel to and fro from their work," he stressed.
Duterte also thanked the hardworking and visionary workers and engineers who took part in the planning and construction of the railway extension.
"Indeed, this project will improve mobility and ensure transportation connectivity, especially in the busy part of Metro Manila," he said.
Duterte also praised the Department of Transportation and its private sector partners for the completion of this key project despite the difficulties posed by the pandemic.
"Your efforts and determination show that our government stops at nothing to carry on with its mandate to serve the people’s interests no matter the circumstances," he said.
Before wrapping up his speech, the President asked Tugade if he could take a ride on the LRT-2 and asked the audience if they wanted to join him. He said he wanted to ride train "para mamasyal" since he hardly rode a train in the province.
After a brief conversation with Tugade and other staff, Duterte apologized to the crowd and announced that his security team would "not allow anybody else" to join the trip.
READ: LRT-2's Marikina, Antipolo stations to begin operations on July 5; click for complete fare matrix