THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) has launched a “Libreng Sakay” program for the Urgello, Cebu City-Parkmall, Mandaue City route, which serves about 20,000 passengers daily.
DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon said the program will use over 100 modern public utility vehicles during peak hours.
A budget of P150 million to P160 million has been allocated for the pilot, which includes a P350,000 daily subsidy for operators.
A second route from Talisay City to IT Park is also being considered.
According to Dizon, Cebu is the first in the Visayas to roll out the program in the piloted route, which covers one of the busiest areas in the tri-cities.
Dizon, who was present during the launching on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, said the route covers seven universities and four malls offering significant savings of up to P200 per week for students and workers.
“The President really wants to make sure that we can help our people to get by on a daily basis. Life is hard, and the commute is hard,” said Dizon.
The free transport ride operates during peak hours, or 6 to 9 a.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. daily, including holidays and weekends.
Operators
Dizon said all operators are assured of income as the government provides a P350,000 per day subsidy, with an estimated budget of P150 to P160 million for the Urgello, Cebu City-Parkmall, Mandaue City route alone.
DOTr studies are underway to expand the program to add more routes, including the Talisay-to-IT Park that is planned for implementation by August 2025.
Dizon explained that a thorough study should be conducted for the additional routes, taking into account the budget and the government’s role in subsidizing the initiative.
Program participants
In collaboration with the DOTr, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7 Director Eduardo Montealto Jr. said a total of 111 operational units were selected for the program based on passenger and modern public utility jeepney demand.
In an interview with SunStar, Montealto said they plan to add at least 22 other units that are currently still undergoing repairs.
Montealto said “Libreng Sakay” units are marked with a sticker for easy identification by passengers.
Meanwhile, commuters welcomed the DOTr free ride initiative, saying that this helps them save money daily.
“If I can get a free ride, I can save a lot. I go home at 2 p.m., it’s fine because I already saved in the morning. It’s really good,” said Eden Juario, a 25-year-old college graduate who works the morning shift at a local convenience store.
Trisha Marie Daquis, 17, a college student, echoed Juario’s sentiment, saying this would be a big relief for commuters like her who travel all the way to Cebu City from Lapu-Lapu City.
Daquis said she usually takes three separate rides to go to her school in Cebu City.
“With the help of the ‘Libreng Sakay,’ I can save money since we live far away, and I can lessen my expenses a bit,” said Daquis.
For first-year students Earl Delima and Eric dela Cruz, the free ride initiative is a “huge help.”
While 18-year-old John Lie Poncardas, who works at a downtown mall, said if he can avail himself of the free ride, the money he saves would now go for his food.
After Cebu, the next “Libreng Sakay” program will be launched in Davao. / DPC with reports from Charmaine Membreve, HNU COMM Intern