Manila LGU launches free jeepney rides to ease commuter costs, support drivers
The Manila City Government will shoulder jeepney earnings to offer free rides, helping both drivers and commuters save money.
Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Friday, March 27 announceed the program, which aims to provide immediate relief amid rising fuel costs. The city finalized this arrangement Following a meeting with 22 Jeepney Operators and Drivers Associations.
The program operationalizes Section 5 of EO 14, which mandates economic assistance for the transport sector.
Under this arrangement, the Manila LGU will effectively subsidize the participating jeepneys and their drivers, guaranteeing them a fixed daily income of P3,000 depending on the unit type.
“Hihiramin ko ’yung mga jeep at driver. Garantisadong bayad araw-araw. May kita ang operator, may kita ang driver. Tiyak na kita, kasiguruhan. May kita ang gasolinahan at mga nagnenegosyo sa Maynila, at higit sa lahat, walang kailangang bayaran ang ating mga mananakay kapag ang jeep na sasakyan nila ay kasapi ng programa ng Lungsod ng Maynila,” Domagoso said.
More than 1,400 jeepneys are expected to participate, covering various routes across Manila and nearby areas. It is estimated that the program could serve approximately 100,000 passengers daily.
Initially, the free ride program is scheduled to run for five days across two weeks—covering Monday and Tuesday of the first week, and Monday to Wednesday of the following week.
The city government has noted that a possible extension of the program will depend on the availability of further funds.
Meanwhile, acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said Thursday, Mar. 26, that he has directed agencies to increase vehicle deployment under the “Libreng Sakay” program during the second week of the protest staged by two transport groups.
DOTr said the LTFRB has already deployed 20 service vehicles, 10 of which are traversing the Fairview-Quiapo route while the other half are on the SM Masinag – Quiapo route.
The LTO has also deployed 12 service vehicles that offer free rides to passengers in Philcoa, Commonwealth, Aurora Boulevard, Monumento, Quirino Highway, and Fairview.
