LTFRB: Free rides to continue beyond Duterte’s term 

MANILA, Philippines — The government’s “Libreng Sakay” program for commuters is expected to continue even after President Duterte steps down from office on June 30, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said over the weekend.

LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra II gave the assurance as he noted that P7 billion has been set aside for the government’s servicing contracting program, which gives free rides to passengers.

“We expect that the free rides would continue even after June 30 hanggang maubos ‘yung P7 billion funding,” he said at a press briefing.

With the positive feedback the service contracting program has been receiving from the public, Delgra said the Department of Transportation under Secretary Arthur Tugade is proposing to the incoming administration of president-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to continue funding the free rides for next year.

Under the program, public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators provide free rides to commuters and are compensated by the government on a weekly basis.

Delgra said there is a possibility that the program might end earlier than the initial timetable of December this year as free rides are being implemented in 15 regions.

Based on data from the LTFRB, a total of 163,901,979 commuters have been given free rides.

According to Delgra, the government spent around P2.96 billion under phase three of the program.

Of the figure, around P1.45 billion was given as payouts and incentives to PUV operators and drivers who joined the program.