Manila LGU Launches ‘Libreng Sakay’ Program | Afternoon Delight
Why It Matters
The scheme directly cushions both commuters and jeepney drivers from record fuel inflation, while testing a scalable model for municipal subsidies that could reshape urban mobility across the Philippines.
Key Takeaways
- •Manila LGU launches free jeepney rides for commuters.
- •Program subsidizes drivers with ₱3,000‑₱3,500 daily allowance each.
- •Covers 1,038 routes including Divisoria, Quiapo, and Morayta.
- •Operates March 30‑April 8, with possible extension pending.
- •Drivers report relief amid diesel price spikes near ₱153 per liter.
Summary
The Manila city government rolled out a “Libreng Sakay” program, offering free jeepney rides on select routes to ease commuter costs and support drivers facing soaring diesel prices. The initiative, announced by Mayor Bisco Moreno, pairs a daily cash assistance of ₱3,000‑₱3,500 for operators with a fleet of over a thousand active jeepney chiefs covering key corridors such as Divisoria, Quiapo, Morayta, and others.
The pilot runs from March 30 through April 8, with a brief pause before resuming on April 6‑8, and may be extended if demand persists. Approximately 150,000 passengers are expected to benefit, while drivers cite the subsidy as a lifeline after diesel hit a record ₱153 per litre, prompting some to consider quitting the trade.
On‑site reporters observed the program’s logistics: designated tarpaulin signs mark free‑ride vehicles, and Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau staff manually tally passengers in real time. Drivers expressed gratitude, noting that the cash grant enables them to sustain their families and continue operating despite volatile fuel costs.
If successful, “Libreng Sakay” could become a template for other Philippine cities grappling with transportation affordability and energy price shocks, potentially reshaping public‑transport financing and commuter behavior nationwide.
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