The daily assistance for jeepney drivers will be increased from ₱3,000 to ₱3,500 per day in response to a sudden rise in fuel prices.

Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso announced Tuesday, March 31, that the ₱500 increase in subsidy for jeepney drivers will come from the ₱661,000 in savings generated on the first day of the Libreng Sakay program's implementation.

This aims to ease the impact of the ₱12 increase in fuel prices and ensure that the income of drivers participating in the said program will not be reduced, RH Boy Gonzales reported. Instead of returning the savings to the city’s funds, the said amount will be given directly to the drivers as additional assistance.

However, the said program would not only benefit drivers, but also reduce commuters’ transportation expenses.

Meanwhile, a total of 129,665 passengers were served by 1,038 jeepneys across six districts in Manila on the first day of the Libreng Sakay program.

The ₱3,500 subsidy will remain in effect in the coming days of the program's implementation.