The Department of Transportation (DOTr) officially launched its inaugural free ride program in Mindanao, providing much-needed relief to commuters in Davao City.
The program, a collaborative effort with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), addresses President Marcos Jr.’s directive to alleviate the burden of travel and fare costs for daily commuters.
The free bus service operates along the Lasang to Roxas via Sasa route, a vital artery for thousands of Davao residents. “We need to help our kababayans, especially our commuters,” stated Secretary Vince Dizon “The President instructed DOTr to find ways to provide some assistance to our commuters, especially students and senior citizens all over the country.”
This initiative is expected to significantly impact the daily lives of over 6,000 passengers who utilize this route. With round-trip fares from Lasang to Downtown typically costing PHP 100, commuters stand to save approximately PHP 500 per week.
The program, with an allocated annual budget of PHP 70 million, will run daily, including weekends and holidays, during peak hours: 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The free rides are set to continue until 2028, offering sustained support to the commuting public.
The DOTr and LTFRB are also exploring the possibility of increasing the number of buses on the current route and expanding the free-ride service to include other routes, such as Cabaguio, to further extend the benefits to more communities.
This program underscores the government’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable transportation options for Filipinos, particularly those who rely on public transport for their daily commutes to work, school, and other essential activities.
