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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Manila's libreng sakay serves over 308K commuters in just 2 days

Manila's libreng sakay serves over 308K commuters in just 2 days

Published Apr 1, 2026 07:43 am
Commuters ride public utility jeepneys under the Libreng Sakay program of the Manila city government, as personnel from the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau monitor operations. The initiative, led by Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso, has already served over 179,000 passengers in just two days. (Photo courtesy of Manila PIO)
Commuters ride public utility jeepneys under the Libreng Sakay program of the Manila city government, as personnel from the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau monitor operations. The initiative, led by Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso, has already served over 179,000 passengers in just two days. (Photo courtesy of Manila PIO)

For thousands of commuters tired of long jeepney waits amid fewer units plying routes due to high fuel costs, a free ride can mean everything. Manila’s revived Libreng Sakay program, led by Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso, has already benefited over 308,000 passengers in just two days.

Data from the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) showed that on March 30, 129,665 passengers availed of free rides.

By March 31, an additional 179,070 had taken advantage of the program, bringing the total to 308,735 beneficiaries in just 48 hours.

The program deployed 1,442 public utility jeepneys (PUJs) servicing various routes across the capital, catering to commuters from Manila and nearby areas.

More than just free rides, the initiative also provides financial support to participating PUJs, raising assistance from P3,000 to P3,500 per jeepney, with 22 transport organizations joining. This ensures that drivers and operators can maintain income while supporting the daily mobility of city residents.

“Sa panahon ng krisis, ang pamahalaang may malasakit ay kayang kumilos agad, umalalay, at maghatid ng agarang ginhawa sa mas nakararami (In times of crisis, a caring government can act quickly, provide support, and deliver immediate relief to the majority),” the Manila local government said.

However, the city announced a temporary pause in operations, with no Libreng Sakay scheduled from Wednesday, April 1, to Sunday, April 5.

Services will resume after Holy Week, from Monday, April 6, to Wednesday, April 8, with the city assuring that the program will remain available to all commuters, regardless of residency.

The strong turnout in its early days underscores the continuing demand for accessible and affordable public transportation, especially as many Filipinos continue to grapple with rising fuel prices and fare costs.

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