Caloocan gov't to roll out free tricycle rides starting April 6
By Hannah Nicol
Caloocan City Government seal
The Caloocan City government will roll out a “Libreng Sakay” program using tricycles on April 6 to assist commuters affected by rising fuel prices.
Free rides will be provided during rush hours through participating Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA).
Each TODA will receive P695 for two hours of service per day.
Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan said the program aims to support both commuters and drivers amid the continued increase in fuel costs.
“Nais natin na tulungan ang sektor ng transportasyon at maging ang mga mananakay. Naglaan na po tayo ng pondo upang mabigyan sila ng insentibo na makakatulong sa kanilang hanapbuhay kasabay ng pagbibigay ng libreng serbisyo para sa mga kababayan nating commuter (We want to help the transportation sector as well as commuters. We have allocated funds to provide incentives that can support their livelihood while also offering free services to the commuting public),” Malapitan said.
“Alam ko po na malaking pagsubok sa ating lahat ang pagtaas ng presyo ng langis dahil hindi lang po transportasyon ang apektado kundi pati na rin ang presyo ng mga pangunahing pangangailangan, kaya naman makakaasa po kayo na nakalatag na ang iba pang programa upang tugunan ang kasalukuyang krisis at paghandaan pa ang ibang mga posibilidad (I know that rising oil prices pose a major challenge to all of us, as it affects not only transportation but also the prices of basic goods. You can expect that additional programs are already in place to address the current crisis and prepare for other possible challenges),” he added.
The city government said it is also preparing additional programs to address the impact of rising oil prices.
It added that aside from the Libreng Sakay program, a separate free transportation initiative in partnership with jeepney organizations is also set to be implemented.
The local government also said that interested applicants may inquire with their respective TODA presidents or with the Tricycle and Pedicab Regulatory Services (TPRS).