Belmonte signs free bus rides ordinance

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has signed an ordinance authored by three-term congressman and incumbent Councilor Alfred Vargas institutionalizing the city’s “free bus ride” program.

“I am grateful to Mayor Joy and my colleagues in the city council for approving Ordinance SP-3184, S-2023. With this ordinance, we can now guarantee the sustainability of the Q City Bus program, which our mayor pioneered and implemented to benefit thousands of Quezon City passengers every day,” Vargas said in a statement.

Under the ordinance, the city traffic and transportation management department will implement the program, which will be maintained by an annual appropriation from the city council.

Records show the Q City Bus program has so far logged 12 million passenger rides on its eight routes.

Belmonte initiated the program during the height of the pandemic and its institutionalization is a joint priority of the city’s executive and legislative departments.

Vargas cited the program’s socio-economic impact, adding that residents can utilize their savings from the free bus rides for food, electricity and other basic necessities.

He also said he had used the bus service from Novaliches to city hall and was impressed by its efficiency and convenience.

“Everyone deserves a comfortable travel to work or school, one that values their time and well-being. This is what we envision with our ordinance,” Vargas said.