Cebu City has been chosen as pilot area in the Visayas for the “Libreng Sakay” program of the national government, according to Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.

The route for the free ride is from Urgello to Parkmall and vice versa (Route 01K) beginning 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., or during peak hours.

The program operates daily, including holidays and weekends, Dizon emphasized.

"Alam naman natin life is hard, the commute is hard so if we can provide this Libreng Sakay dito sa Cebu and other areas throughout the country, eh malaking bagay 'yon...the President really wants to help our people get by on a daily basis," Dizon pointed out. 

It was learned that over 100 units are available to serve commuters under the “Libreng Sakay” program.

As to why Route 01K was chosen of all available routes in the city, Dizon said: "Ito ang isa sa mga, in fact it might be the heaviest route in the tri-city area, in terms of passengers, 20,000 passengers dumadaan everyday...araming estudyante, seven universities, schools ang daanan nito."

When asked on the effect of the free-ride program to traditional jeepneys plying the said route, Dizon said a dialogue is up with drivers and operators.

A passenger named Nora Sumacang is overjoyed upon learning of the free ride.

"Nihatag ko'g plete, unya niingon si Inday, 'ayaw 'Nay, free ni...Salamat nalibre pa tawon ta, daginot gamay kuan man plete P15, pero og senior, P14," Sumacang said. 

The launch for Davao City, chosen pilot site in Mindanao, is set on Thursday, July 24, 2025.

(with reports from Nikko Sereno/GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak)