Manila raises jeepney drivers’ pay to P3,500 under 'Libreng Sakay'

The Manila city government has increased the daily pay of jeepney drivers under its “Libreng Sakay” program to P3,500, Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso announced on Tuesday.

Previously, drivers under the program were guaranteed P3,000 per day in exchange for providing free rides to commuters amid the oil price surge.

Domagoso said the additional P500 aims to help cushion the impact of rising fuel costs.

“Sa madaling salita, mga drayber, dadagdagan ko po ng P500 ang bawat araw ninyo. Upang sa ganoon, yung pagtaas ng presyo ng P12 kahapon ng krudo ay ma-offset ngayong araw at sa mga darating pang araw,” Domagoso said in a public address.

(In other words, drivers, I will add P500 to your daily pay so that the P12 increase in fuel prices yesterday can be offset today and in the coming days.)

The increase takes effect on March 31.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) earlier said it is exploring two types of service contracting—under which the government effectively hires public transport drivers and operators—to assist both drivers and commuters amid steep fuel price hikes.

The first model involves free rides, with drivers no longer shouldering fuel costs.

Meanwhile, the second model under consideration is net service contracting, where commuters still pay fares but at a discounted rate.—MCG, GMA News