Jeepney drivers sustain Manila's Libreng Sakay program
Published Apr 6, 2026 02:10 pm
Manila Mayor "Isko Moreno" Domagoso thanked 1,442 jeepney drivers participating in the city’s “Libreng Sakay” program, recognizing their role in delivering free, accessible transport to thousands of commuters daily.
The city government noted that the inclusion of over a thousand jeepney units significantly boosted the program’s reach, allowing Libreng Sakay to penetrate inner roads and communities not previously covered by larger vehicles.
The program, initially launched to assist commuters during fuel price surges and economic recovery, has since grown to cover multiple routes across Manila, particularly those with high passenger demand such as Divisoria, Taft Avenue, España, and Blumentritt.
Related story: https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/30/routes-for-manilas-libreng-sakay-released-1442-jeepneys-deployed-citywide
This has improved accessibility for residents in densely populated barangays, cutting waiting times and easing congestion along major thoroughfares.
Officials added that the initiative helps stabilize the income of participating drivers from 22 transport organizations, through guaranteed daily payouts, which have increased from P3,000 to P3,500, allowing them to continue providing free rides without compromising their earnings.
Calling them “frontline partners on wheels,” Domagoso expressed appreciation to the jeepney drivers who have joined the Manila government’s expanded Libreng Sakay initiative, one of the city’s key social support programs aimed at easing the burden of rising transportation costs.
Under the scheme, participating jeepney drivers operate along designated routes and are given financial assistance or fuel subsidies from the city government in exchange for providing free rides to passengers.
This setup ensures that drivers continue to earn despite not collecting fares, while commuters, especially minimum wage earners, students, and senior citizens, benefit from zero transport costs.
Domagoso emphasized that the success of the program hinges on the cooperation of drivers, many of whom volunteered to be part of the initiative despite challenges in the transport sector.
Manila's Libreng Sakay program now serves thousands of passengers everyday, significantly reducing daily expenses for families already coping with inflation.
For some commuters, they said the savings from free rides can be redirected to food, school needs, and other essentials.
Beyond commuter relief, the initiative also provides a stable income stream for jeepney drivers affected by fluctuating fuel prices and reduced ridership in recent years.
The local government assured continued support for transport workers through subsidies and program expansion.
Domagoso reiterated that the city is studying ways to further widen coverage, potentially adding more units and routes to reach underserved areas.
As the program continues to roll out, the local chief executive called on more drivers to participate, stressing that Libreng Sakay is not just a government project but a shared effort to uplift the commuting public.
