National ID holders get free MRT-3 rides starting Aug. 5
Commuters in Metro Manila holding a Philippine National ID will receive free rides on the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 during designated peak hours throughout August and on a key date in September, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
The initiative, launched in coordination with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), marks the anniversary of the signing of Republic Act No. 11055, known as the Philippine Identification System Act.
Free fare privileges will apply every Wednesday of August—specifically Aug. 5, Aug. 12, Aug. 19, and Aug. 26. To accommodate peak rush-hour demand, the zero-fare window will run from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. in the morning and from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the evening.
An additional day of free rides is scheduled for Sept. 16, 2026, to observe Global Identity Day.
Passengers wishing to avail of the free rides must present a valid form of their National ID at turnstiles. Accepted formats include the standard physical card, the official Digital ID on a mobile device, or a printed copy of the ePhilID.
To boost adoption of the identification system, the statistics agency has also set up live registration kiosks at select MRT-3 facilities, including high-foot-traffic locations at Araneta-Cubao Station and Taft Avenue Station.
The move allows unregistered commuters to sign up for the national database directly along their daily transit route.