Philippines Offers Complimentary Train Rides on December 30

Metro Manila commuters are set to receive a welcome holiday benefit next week as the Philippine Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that free train rides will be offered on selected hours in observance of Rizal Day. According to a report by Insider18, the initiative is intended to honor the life and legacy of national hero Dr. José Rizal while also providing relief to thousands of daily commuters in the capital region.

The free rides will be available on Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) on Tuesday, December 30, which coincides with the official commemoration of Rizal Day. This annual public holiday marks the death anniversary of Dr. Rizal, who was executed by Spanish colonial authorities in 1896. This year marks the 129th anniversary of his death, an event widely regarded as a turning point in Philippine history and the country’s struggle for independence.

In a public advisory released through its official Facebook page on Saturday, the DOTr clarified that the no-fare service will be implemented during two peak-hour periods to accommodate the highest number of passengers. The first window will run from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., while the second will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. In total, commuters will be able to enjoy four hours of free travel throughout the day.

The DOTr explained that the program is designed not only as a tribute to Rizal’s enduring influence but also as a practical way to support the public, especially workers, students, and families who rely on public transportation. Even though December 30 is classified as a regular public holiday, many residents still travel across Metro Manila for work, errands, or to attend commemorative activities related to Rizal Day.

MRT-3, which runs along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), is one of the busiest rail lines in the country. It connects key cities such as Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Makati, and Pasay, making it a vital transport route for millions of passengers. By offering free rides during peak hours, authorities hope to ease the financial burden on commuters while also managing passenger flow efficiently.

Rizal Day is observed nationwide to honor Dr. José Rizal’s contributions as a writer, reformist, and patriot. His novels and essays exposed the injustices of Spanish rule and inspired a generation of Filipinos to seek freedom and national identity. Rizal was executed at Bagumbayan, a site now known as Luneta or Rizal Park, which has since become a major historical landmark and a focal point for annual commemorative ceremonies.

Each year, government agencies, schools, and civic organizations hold events to remember Rizal’s sacrifices, including wreath-laying ceremonies, flag-raising rites, and educational programs. The DOTr’s free-ride initiative has become one of the more tangible ways the government allows ordinary citizens to participate in the commemoration, blending historical remembrance with everyday public service.

Commuters are advised to plan their trips accordingly, as the free-ride policy will only apply within the specified time frames. Outside of those hours, regular fares will be collected. The DOTr also reminded passengers to follow existing MRT-3 rules and safety guidelines, including proper queuing and courteous behavior, to ensure a smooth travel experience for everyone.

This is not the first time the government has offered complimentary rides on public transport during national holidays. Similar initiatives have been rolled out in previous years during Independence Day and other significant occasions, often receiving positive feedback from the public. Many commuters view such programs as a meaningful way to honor national heroes while directly benefiting citizens.

As reported by Insider18, the DOTr emphasized that initiatives like this reflect the government’s broader commitment to improving public transportation and making it more accessible. While the free rides are temporary, officials hope they leave a lasting impression of unity, remembrance, and public service—values that Dr. José Rizal himself stood for.

For Metro Manila residents, December 30 will not only be a day of reflection on the country’s history but also an opportunity to travel more conveniently and economically, even if just for a few hours, in tribute to one of the Philippines’ most revered figures.