LRT-2 /FILE PHOTO/INQUIRER/Grig C. Montegrande
MANILA, Philippines — Authorized persons outside of residence (APORs) who are vaccinated against COVID-19 can continue riding trains of the Light Rail Transit-2 (LRT-2), Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3), and the Philippine National Railways (PNR) during selected hours until the end of August.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said in a statement Saturday that vaccinated APORs can ride trains of the LRT-2 and the PNR on “off-peak hours.”
Meanwhile, APORs can ride MRT-3 trains for free during the line’s “peak hours.”
Transportation Assistant Secretary Goddes Hope Libiran shared to INQUIRER.net the inclusive hours per rail line:
MRT-3 peak hours
– 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
LRT-2 off-peak hours
– 5 a.m. to 7 a.m.; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and; 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
PNR off-peak hours
– 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
According to Tugade, the “limited continuation” of the free rides program for vaccinated APORs will only be during the enforcement of modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in Metro Manila.
“Any further extension of the free ride program for vaccinated APORs will be later re-evaluated depending on changes in the quarantine status of Metro Manila, and the operational requirements of the rail lines,” he said.
Tugade said the program aims to encourage more APORs to get vaccinated especially in view of more transmissible variants of COVID-19.
He also reiterated his appeal for APORs to strictly observe physical distancing and other health protocols to stem the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in public transport vehicles and stations.
Vaccinated APORs were earlier offered free rides at LRT-2, MRT-3, and PNR until August 20 when Metro Manila was under enhanced community quarantine.