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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Free Wi-Fi, smart tech coming to Metro Manila trains—Palace

Free Wi-Fi, smart tech coming to Metro Manila trains—Palace

Published May 2, 2025 12:22 pm  |  Updated May 2, 2025 05:28 pm

At A Glance

  • In her press briefing, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the initiative is in line with President Marcos's directive to make commuting more efficient, safe, and dignified for Filipinos.
After experiencing free train rides, commuters in Metro Manila can soon expect free Wi-Fi, contactless payment, and other smart upgrades in train stations, Malacañang said Friday, May 2.
In her press briefing, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the initiative is in line with President Marcos’s directive to make commuting more efficient, safe, and dignified for Filipinos.
"Maaasahan na ang mga istasyon at tren sa Metro Manila ay magkakaroon nang mabilis at libreng internet (Train stations and trains in Metro Manila will soon offer fast and free internet)," she said.
The free internet access will initially be available at all MRT stations and will later expand inside the trains themselves.
According to Castro, the program will also introduce contactless payment systems, allowing commuters to pay using credit or debit cards, smartphones, or e-wallets.
The Palace Press Officer also confirmed that AI-powered security screening systems are being studied to make safety checks faster and more efficient.
Castro said improvements in signal infrastructure, in-station fiber networks, and coverage across critical transit zones are also in the pipeline.
"Binubuksan nito ang daan para hindi lang maging mas mabilis at efficient, kung hindi ay mabigyan din ng dignidad at mas maginhawang pagku-commute ang mga Pilipino (This paves the way not just for faster and more efficient commuting, but for dignified and more comfortable travel for Filipinos)," she said.
Once implemented in the MRT, the program will be expanded to LRT-1 and LRT-2.
The government has not yet disclosed the full timeline for completion, but assured that implementation is underway. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), which is leading the rollout in partnership with other agencies, said improvements will be made starting in May.
Meanwhile, Castro said that around 1.2 million commuters benefited from the first day of the free train rides in Metro Manila. The program, a tribute to workers on Labor Day, started on April 30 and will end on May 3.

Related Tags

Claire Castro Free Wi-Fi Cashless MRT-3
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