Free MRT, LRT rides for gov't employees on Thurs

MANILA, Philippines - All government employees may avail themselves  of free Metro Rail Transit and Light Rail Transit rides across the metro for several hours on Thursday, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) announced.

In a statement, the  CSC said  the free rides are given to government employees to celebrate  the 113th anniversary of the Philippine Civil Service.

"Civil servants will also get to enjoy free train rides courtesy of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) through the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) on September 19," the agency said.

Government employees are advised to present their identification cards and have their baggage checked.

Free MRT-3 ride starts at 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and will resume at 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free LRT Lines 1 and 2 rides may be availed at 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. only.

State employees and officials may also visit the Museum of the Filipino People and all branches of the Planetarium for free for the whole month of September.

"The offering of free entrance and on official time aims to encourage public servants to visit the country’s rich cultural treasures," CSC said.

The benefits, however, are not extended to companions of government employees.