Starting today (Juy 23), commuters in Cebu can enjoy free rides on modern jeepneys along the Urgello–Parkmall route as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) officially launched the Libreng Sakay program in the province.
The initiative answers President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ease the daily transportation burden of Filipino commuters and ensure stable income for jeepney drivers and operators.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon emphasized the savings this program brings, especially for students who can now save up to ₱200 a week on fares.
“President Marcos has made it clear—we need to make life easier for our people. This free ride program helps Filipinos save money they can use for essentials like food and medicine,” said Dizon.
He added that the program is also a step toward encouraging more people to shift to safe, affordable, and reliable public transportation.
Under the Service Contracting Program (SCP), over 400 drivers and operators on this route will receive fixed income, removing the stress of meeting daily boundaries.
The government has allocated ₱125 million to fund the Urgello–Parkmall route for one year, benefitting an estimated 20,000 passengers per day.
The DOTr is also considering expanding Libreng Sakay to other high-traffic routes like Talisay to IT Park, a common path for BPO employees.
Free rides will be available daily from 6 AM to 9 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM, and will continue until 2028.
This marks Visayas’ first-ever Libreng Sakay program, with Mindanao’s first—covering public utility buses in Davao—launching tomorrow.