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The government rolled out additional routes for its free ride program on Friday to assist commuters affected by the second day of a transport strike in Metro Manila.
In an advisory, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the expanded service would operate from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. across several major routes.
Newly added routes included Fairview to Quiapo, SM Masinag to Quiapo, Baclaran to Monumento via Taft Avenue, Makati to Muntinlupa, and Heritage to Market Market, alongside previously announced routes connecting key areas such as Cubao, Lawton, and Commonwealth.
The agency said the initiative was implemented to ensure sufficient transportation options for the public during the disruption caused by the strike.
Government vehicles from various agencies, including the Office of the President, Department of Transportation, Department of Energy, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine National Police, were deployed to support the program.
The transport strike was organized by a coalition of transport groups, including drivers of jeepneys, buses, UV Express units, and ride-hailing services, calling for government action on rising fuel prices.
The groups pushed for measures such as the removal of excise tax and value added tax on fuel, a rollback in pump prices, and reforms in the oil industry, among other demands.
On Friday, participants planned to gather at Welcome Rotunda in Quezon City before proceeding to Mendiola as part of their continuing protest actions.
