MANILA — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) stated over the weekend that the “Libreng Sakay” program of the government for commuters is expected to continue even after President Duterte leaves office on June 30.
LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra II made the assurance while stating that the government has set aside P7 billion for the government’s servicing contracting program, which provides passengers with free rides.
“We expect that the free rides would continue even after June 30 hanggang maubos ‘yung P7 billion funding,” he said at a press briefing.
Delgra stated that the Department of Transportation under Secretary Arthur Tugade is recommending to the new administration of president-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to continue supporting the free rides for the following year due to the positive public feedback to the service contracting program.
Public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators provide free rides to commuters and are compensated by the government on a weekly basis under the program.
Delgra stated that it is possible that the program might end earlier than the initial timetable of December this year as free rides are being implemented in 15 regions.
The data from the LTFRB showed that there are 163,901,979 commuters who have been given free rides.
Around P2.96 billion had been spent by the government under phase three of the program, according to Delgra.
Approximately P1.45 billion of the figure was distributed as payouts and incentives to PUV operators and drivers who joined in the program.
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