PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved the free rides for students in Metro Manila’s trains and in the Philippine National Railways, according to the Department of Transportation.

The department said free train rides for students in the Metro Rail Transit Line 3, Light Rail Transit Line 2, and PNR would run from August 22 until November 4.

It noted the Department of Education estimated over 38,000 schools in the country were already set for the resumption of face-to-face classes for School Year 2022-2023.

“Considering the welfare of students, however, whose learning outcomes have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, the undersigned recommends implementing a Libreng Sakay for Students Program for the First Quarter of School Year 2022-2023, or from August 2022 to 04 November,” DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said.

Meanwhile, Marcos also extended free rides at the EDSA Bus Carousel until December this year.

The transportation department said the move seeks to ease the burden of rising living expenses for Filipinos.

“Considering the availability of budget for Service Contracting under GA 2022, the undersigned recommends the continuation of the Libreng Sakay Program for all passengers of the EDSA Bus Carousel,” a portion of the DOTr memo read.