MRT-3 breaks record: 98 million riders in 2022

MRT-3 passengers. Image from DOTR-MRT 3 Facebook

MANILA, Philippines —The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday reported that in 2022, the number of people who rode the Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) line increased dramatically, reaching 98,330,683.

As explained by the DOTr, the 98 million passengers are more than double the 35,691,914 travelers in 2021 and the 31,887,174 travelers in 2020.

From 127,276 riders in 2021 to 273,141 in 2022, the average daily ridership increased by more than 100 percent.

“The MRT-3 recorded 4,423,317 passengers in January and 5,298,801 in February 2022,” said DOTr.

“Its ridership increased to 7,231,320 in March; 7,318,128 in April; and 9,597,794 in May. The MRT-3 served the highest number of passengers in June last year, with a total of 10,555,184,” it added.

To recall, the MRT-3 also implemented a three-month Libreng Sakay Program from March 28 to June 30, 2022.

The MRT-3 also noted an increase in ridership from 8,910,370 in July to to 8,979,990 in August. This was the period of the gradual resumption of in-person classes that started on August 22.

In September, the MRT-3’s ridership dropped slightly to 8,776,440. However, by October, the number of passengers recorded increased to 8,996,743. The ridership remained near the million mark before the end of 2022, with 8,939,743 and 9,302,645 passengers in November and December, respectively.

“The increase in ridership in 2022 came as the MRT-3 completed the massive rehabilitation of the rail line, which significantly improved our operations. We are optimistic that in 2023, more passengers will benefit from our improved services,” said MRT-3 General Manager Engr. Federico J. Canar, Jr. in the DOTr’s statement.

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/MUF/abc