Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez drew smiles and surprise from commuters on Monday, April 13, after briefly taking on the role of a jeepney “barker” during the launch of the city government’s “Libreng Sakay” program.

Along the busy Sucat route bound for Baclaran, Olivarez was seen personally calling out to passengers, urging them to board jeepneys offering free rides—an unusual but welcome sight for early-morning commuters.

The mayor said the initiative aims to ease the burden of rising fuel prices and help daily wage earners cope with increasing transportation costs.

The city government deployed 40 passenger jeepneys along major high-demand routes, particularly during rush hours when commuters often struggle to secure rides.

Under the program, 20 jeepneys ply the Sucat–Baclaran route, while 10 units each serve the Sucat–Kabihasnan and Sucat–Merville routes.

The vehicles operate on a round-trip basis during peak hours—from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday—ensuring that workers and students benefit most from the free service.

Olivarez explained that the program follows a service contracting scheme, wherein the city government subsidizes jeepney operations. This guarantees free rides for passengers while providing a steady income for drivers affected by soaring fuel costs.

He added that the duration of the “Libreng Sakay” program may run from one week to a month, depending on fuel price movements.

Residents welcomed the initiative, noting that beyond the free rides, the mayor’s hands-on approach highlighted the local government’s effort to directly connect with commuters and better understand their daily struggles.