MANILA, Philippines — The Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) and Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) will offer free rides to female commuters on the International Women’s Day on Friday, March 8.
LRT-2’s operator, the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) made the announcement in separate Facebook posts on Wednesday.
Both LRT-2 and MRT-3 will offer free rides for female commuters at two separate two-hour windows on March 8, Friday, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
“Our free ride for women is the LRTA’s way of expressing gratitude for their invaluable contribution to our society. We hope that through this simple gesture, you will feel how important you are to us,” LRTA Hernando Cabrera was quoted as saying in Filipino in the public transport operator’s post.
“The free ride is a simple way for MRT-3 to show support for every Juana and our gratitude for the significant contributions of women in advancing our country’s development,” Transportation Assistant Secretary for Railways and MRT-3 Officer-in-Charge Jorjette Aquino was quoted as saying in Filipino in DOTr MRT-3’s post.
“In MRT-3 alone, there are ticket sellers, security personnel, station supervisors, and other female staff who ensure smooth and safe journeys for passengers every day. It is only right that we honor and support our women especially on their special day,” the transportation official added.
The entire month of March is also commemorated as National Women’s Month, which the Philippine Commission on Women said will be celebrated nationwide with the theme, “WE for gender equality and inclusive society.”