MANILA -- Commuters are set to continue to avail free rides, including on the EDSA Busway system, as the amount of P1.285 billion has been provided to the government’s Service Contracting program under the Department of Transportation (DOTr) budget this year.

This is pursuant to Republic Act No. 11936, or the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 General Appropriations Act, which was signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“May pondo po ang Service Contracting Program sa ating FY 2023 GAA. Naglaan po ang pamahalaan ng Php1.285 billion para maipagpatuloy ang programang ito ngayong taon,” Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said.

The Service Contracting program, which gives way to the continuation of the Libreng Sakay, provides free bus rides for the public, including the bus commuters along EDSA.

The DBM Secretary likewise acknowledged the value of the Libreng Sakay to Filipino commuters.

“We understand the plight of our commuting public. And so President Bongbong Marcos gave us a directive to do our part, and to exert our best to help ease their burden. The Service Contracting Program, which funds Libreng Sakay is a big help,” Sec. Pangandaman said.

“Malaking tulong po ang tipid-pasahe sa araw-araw na pamumuhay ng mga kababayan natin. Whatever amount they save daily, they can reallocate to equally or more important needs such as budget for food, electricity, tuition fee, among others,” the Budget Secretary added.

The Libreng Sakay is a joint program of the DOTr and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to help commuters amid rising prices of commodities and services.

As of December 27, 2022, the LTFRB recorded a total of 164,966,373 passengers who have availed of the Libreng Sakay program along EDSA in the preceding year. (DBM)