LRT 2 and MRT 3 Offer Free Rides for Philippine Women’s Open Participants

Getting around Metro Manila just became a little easier for athletes and event workers taking part in the Philippine Women’s Open, as selected train lines are offering free rides for a limited time.

The Department of Transportation has announced that LRT 2 and MRT 3 are providing free train rides for accredited participants of the Philippine Women’s Open, a women’s tennis tournament under the WTA 125 series currently happening in the country. The initiative supports the event while encouraging the use of public transport in Metro Manila.

The free rides are available from 26 January to 31 January, giving participants several days to move between venues without worrying about transport costs.

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Who can avail of the free rides

The free rides are not open to the general public and are strictly limited to accredited individuals connected to the tournament.

This includes players, coaches, officials, volunteers, members of the organising committee, media personnel, and sponsors.

To avail of the free rides, eligible passengers must present their official event accreditation at the station. No special cards or advance registration are required, as long as the accreditation is valid and clearly displayed when entering.

Train lines covered

Only two major rail lines are included in the free ride programme.

LRT 2, which runs from Recto to Antipolo, is ideal for those staying or working around Cubao, Katipunan, and eastern Metro Manila.

MRT 3, operating along EDSA from North Avenue to Taft Avenue, connects key areas including Quezon City, Ortigas, Makati, and Pasay.

Together, these lines cover a large part of Metro Manila, making daily travel during the tournament more convenient.

Why this matters for events in the Philippines

Providing free public transport for international sporting events highlights how local agencies are supporting sports tourism in the country.

For visiting athletes and staff, navigating Metro Manila traffic can be challenging. Access to free and efficient train travel helps reduce stress and allows participants to focus on the competition.

For local volunteers and media workers, this also helps ease daily transport expenses, especially during multi day events.

A reminder for travellers and commuters

Image credit: Fabio Achilli via Flickr

If you are not part of the Philippine Women’s Open, regular fares still apply on LRT 2 and MRT 3. Train operations continue as usual, and peak hour congestion is still expected.

The free ride initiative runs until 31 January only, so eligible participants are encouraged to make the most of it while it is available.

As the Philippines continues to host international events, initiatives like this show how transport and tourism can work together to improve the overall experience.