Nearly five million Metro Manila commuters are expected to benefit from the government’s four-day free ride program, with over 1.2-million passengers taking advantage of it on the first day.

The free rides on the LRT-1, LRT-2 and MRT-3 runs from 30 April to 3 May as part of the Labor Day celebration as ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“This is a small way to honor the sacrifices and contributions of our workers — not just to the economy but to all Filipinos,” Marcos said on Thursday.

The Department of Transportation highlighted the program that would provide timely financial relief in transport costs, especially during the holiday surge.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, after making unannounced visits to train stations, said many commuters expressed their gratitude, calling the program a big help in easing their daily expenses.

The LRT-1 stretches from Baclaran in Parañaque City to Roosevelt Avenue in Quezon City; LRT-2 runs from Recto in Manila to Antipolo in Rizal; while MRT-3 connects North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City along EDSA.