The Department of Transportation Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (DOTr-MRT3) officially announced today that it reached a record-breaking ridership of 141,626,536 passengers for the year 2025.
This figure represents a significant 4.2% increase over the 135,885,336 passengers recorded in 2024, signaling a robust recovery and a growing preference for rail transport among commuters in Metro Manila.
The MRT-3 attributed this growth to enhanced operational efficiency, shorter wait times, and a commitment to inclusive public service. Notable achievements from the past year include:
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Libreng Sakay Program: The line’s flagship “Free Ride” initiatives supported a total of 3,315,657 passengers throughout the year. These programs targeted students, senior citizens, and workers during special holidays and national events, providing vital economic relief.
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Digital Transformation: Since the launch of a new integrated cashless payment system in July 2025, the MRT-3 has seen a rapid shift in commuter behavior. To date, 3,737,499 passengers have transitioned to digital payments, drastically reducing queueing times at ticketing booths.
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Enhanced Reliability: The increased ridership was supported by the consistent deployment of a high number of train sets and improved maintenance cycles, ensuring fewer service interruptions.
General Manager Michael J. Capati expressed his gratitude to the public and reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to further modernization. “We are honored by the trust our commuters place in us every day. This milestone is not just a number; it is a testament to the hard work of our technical and operations teams,” said GM Capati. “We promise to continue our efforts to make your commuting experience on our line even better, safer, and more convenient.”
As the MRT-3 enters 2026, the agency is focusing on further upgrading station facilities and expanding the digital ecosystem to include more third-party payment apps.
“Thank you very much for your trust, Ka-Riles! We look forward to the even better service we will bring to you this year as we continue to move the nation forward,” the agency added in its statement.
