More routes will be launched in a few weeks as the Department of Transportation confirmed that the Libreng Sakay program would still continue this year to help commuters in their daily transportation.
Even without the budget of P1.287 billion requested from the Department of Budget and Management, the Department of Transportation has listed new routes where it would implement the Libreng Sakay program of the EDSA Bus Carousel this year for the benefit of commuters.Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista confirmed that the agency’s “Libreng Sakay” program would continue even though it just ended on December 31, 2022.
The DoTr and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) launched the Libreng Sakay program in late 2020 under Republic Act 11494, or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, to assist commuters and those in the public transportation sector affected by the pandemic.
The program also assisted over 1.6 million students with the return of face-to-face classes and the resumption of economic activities, which is why the program's reintroduction would help mitigate the burden of transportation for all commuters.
Budget
Bautista said almost P9 billion were spent last year on the program, including EDSA.
“Once we receive the funding, we will continue the Libreng Sakay this year.” LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz said.
Responding to passenger complaints about bus shortages, Guadiz mentioned that the LTFRB will add 50 buses from "persons or companies who are not members of the consortium" if commuters' needs are not met.
The LTFRB currently permits only 550 buses to operate at the carousel. It will continue to monitor passenger demand to see whether the 550 buses would be enough to meet the needs of the commuters.
Meanwhile, DoTr received P2.1 billion in funding for the distribution of different routes.
Bautista instructed the agency's undersecretary for road transportation to allocate funds to routes where more poor people can benefit.
“Ina-identify nila yang mga ruta na yan and within the next two to three weeks magre-report sila sakin,” Bautista said.
“Mga possibility po is LTFRB and direct na magbibigay sa mga participants sa Metro Manila. Sa provinces naman, we will work with local government units. So ayan po mga gagawin namin para maipagpatuloy po yung libreng sakay.” He added.
LTFRB is currently eyeing the resumption of the program by February 2023.
Tags: #DoTr, #LTFRB, #LibrengSakay, #Routes