Aimed at encouraging vehicle owners to use public transportation amid the ongoing oil crisis in the Middle East.
Starting Monday, April 27, passengers riding the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) can now opt to park their vehicles for free at the parking area of Santolan station in Marikina Ciry.
Announced by the Department of Transportation (DOTR), it looks to encourage car owners to switch modes in order to save up on gas, especially amid the ongoing energy emergency.
To avail of the free parking, passengers must get a parking stub from Light Rail Transit Authority’s (LRTA) security personnel at the Santolan station’s designated parking area.
They will need to have the stub validated at the LRT-2 station’s passenger assistance office and present it to the security personnel before exiting the parking area.
The complimentary parking will be available for LRT-2 passengers from 4:00 am up to 11:30 pm daily, where motorists can park their vehicles at designated parking spaces, with the complimentary parking on a first-come, first-served basis.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the move is part of the DOTr’s plan to help vehicle owners save on fuel costs as well as help them save travel time via train ride.
“Ang utos sa atin ng Pangulo (ay) hikayatin natin ang mga vehicle owners na sumakay ng ating mga tren,” he said, citing a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. “Kaya nag-isip tayo ng iba pang mga paraan para makatulong di lamang sa mga commuter kundi maging sa mga may-ari ng sasakyan din na bumabyahe araw-araw.”
The transport chief added, “Bukod sa 50 percent na diskwento sa pamasahe kapag sumakay sa LRT-2, libre na rin pati ang parking fee ng mga pasahero na may dalang sasakyan.“
“Malaki ang matitipid kaysa kumonsumo sila ng gasolina o diesel na mataas pa rin ang presyo. ‘Di lang yan, mas mapapabilis pa ang kanilang byahe tungo sa kanilang destinasyon,” Lopez underscored.
Meanwhile, the LRTA also announced on Monday that the LRT-2 will offer free rides for all workers on May 1, in celebration of Labor Day. It will be available from 7:00 to 9:00 am and 5:00 to 7:00 pm.