Libreng sakay ends with Bayanihan 2

The transportation department's Libreng Sakay program, which offers free rides for workers amid pandemic, will be suspended starting July 1 after  the validity of Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or Bayanihan 2 law expired.

According to Jun Veneracion's "24 Oras" report,  the Department of Transportation and  Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced that its free rides in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao will end as the validity of Bayanihan 2, which funds the program,  lapses this Wednesday, June 30.

Construction worker Eddie Catanes said the government's free transportation rides helped him save money for his other expenses. As the program ends, Catanes said he has no choice but to use his bike to go to work.

"I will just use my bicycle. I will wake up early," he said in Filipino.

Another commuter Jade Verdillo said he will save more money for the bus fare as the free ride program ends.

"I'll save money to prepare for next month," he said in Filipino.

For bus drivers offering free rides, they fear that passengers will get confused as free rides end.

"They might think it is still for free, and they will say that they did not bring money," said Jade Verdillo, in Filipino.

Data from DOTr showed that it served 27 million passengers under its free rides program from March 29, 2020 until June 28, 2021.

For traditional jeepney drivers like Juanito Velasco, suspension of government's free rides would increase their passengers.

He said they lost their income because commuters opt to get rides from buses because it is free.

"We are losing about P250 or P300. That's already six kilos of rice. That's why we are thankful that LTFRB's free rides ended," Velasco said.

Funds for libreng sakay being processed

Free rides, however, may still return as LTFRB is waiting for the Department of Budget and Management to process funding to extend the program. LTFRB Technical Division Chief Joel Bolano said they seek to get funds that were allocated under the 2021 national budget. 

He also reminded public utility vehicles that there should be no hike in fares amid the suspension of free rides.—Consuelo Marquez/LDF, GMA News