By Gabriela Baron
The “Libreng Sakay” program of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will continue again this year following the confirmation of the P1.285 billion funding allocated for the program.
“May pondo po ang Service Contracting Program ang ating FY 2023 GAA [General Appropriations Act]. Naglaan po ang pamahalaan ng P1.285 billion para maipagpatuloy ang programang ito ngayong taon,” Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said.
“Malaking tulong po ang tipid-pasahe sa araw-araw. Whatever amount they serve daily, they can reallocate to equally or more important needs such as budget for food, electricity, tuition fee, among others,” Pangandaman added.
The Service Contracting program, which gives way to the continuation of the “Libreng Sakay,” provides free bus rides for the public.
Millions of commuters have benefitted from the “Libreng Sakay” program since its rollout in 2020, according to LTFRB.
