The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Monday, Oct. 9 announced that the Libreng Sakay or free ride program will return by November or December this year.
In a press briefing, LTFRB Chief Teofilo 'Jojo' Guadiz announced that they have agreed to bring back the libreng sakay, and the public utility jeepneys (PUJs) are included this time.
"Ibabalik natin ang libreng sakay. Uunahin po natin ang Metro Manila, kasama ang mga jeepneys. Hindi katulad noon na na-limit lang sa [EDSA bus] carousel, kasama pati may jeepneys sa libreng sakay," he said.
According to the LTFRB chairman, the PUJs that have successfully joined cooperatives will offer free rides to commuters.
"Yung mga nag-organize na as a cooperatives. Sila ang may priority ngayon, 'yung mga cooperatiba na not necessary nag-modernized but those na mga nag-organize as cooperative," he said.
"Sila yung may priority sa pondong ito. Hinahabol natin ito ng November o December, para maagang pamaskong handog ng LTFRB," Guadiz added.
In January, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) confirmed that the Libreng Sakay program on the EDSA Busway system will continue with P1.285 billion funds.
The Libreng Sakay, a joint program of the LTFRB and Department of Transporation (DOTr), ended on December 31 last year.
