Free rides under LTFRB program begins Monday

MANILA, Philippines — The commuting public should expect a respite from transportation costs beginning tomorrow as public utility vehicles (PUVs) offer free rides along various routes nationwide under a government subsidy program.

“We are preparing for Monday (April 11) implementation nationwide of the service contracting program,” Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) executive director Mc told radio station dzBB yesterday.

The LTFRB’s service contracting program means free rides to commuters for a period of 45 to 60 days, depending on the region.

The government has earmarked P7 billion for the program for 13,000 to 15000 PUV units plying at least 1,000 routes nationwide.

However, Cassion clarified that not all of these routes would offer free rides tomorrow because some public transport operators are still in the process of completing their requirements under the program.

In Metro Manila, the public can expect free public transportation in certain routes, including the EDSA bus carousel.

But the NLEX to Metro Manila service route, for example, will be open either on Wednesday or Thursday as the participants will still have to be oriented on the guidelines of the program, Cassion said.

Under the program, PUV operators and drivers will provide free rides to commuters in exchange for financial compensation from the government on a weekly basis.

Included in the program are drivers of public utility buses, UV express vans, traditional and modern public utility jeepneys and selected tourist franchises.