Libreng Sakay Extension Proposed to Ease Commuter Rush
The Office of the Vice President (OVP) recently submitted a proposal to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) aiming to extend the operation hours of the popular Libreng Sakay program. This free ride initiative currently runs from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., but the proposal suggests expanding these hours to start at 4 a.m. and end at 10 p.m.
OVP spokesperson Ruth Castelo explained, “Because in our study, there are already many passengers as early as 4 o’clock. And for regular passengers on the Edsa Carousel buses, it’s already full and delayed because of rush hour when all the vehicles are on the road at the same time.” She added, “So for those who prefer to leave the house earlier, we have a 4 to 10 schedule, but we still need the final study. It’s just a recommendation for now.”
Proposal Details and Ongoing Studies
The OVP is preparing to submit further justifications to the DOTr to support the extension request. Meanwhile, the transportation department is conducting its own assessment to verify the need for additional hours and to identify which routes would benefit most from the extended service.
The Libreng Sakay program, launched in August 2022 shortly after Vice President Sara Duterte took office, currently operates nine buses. Two are owned by the OVP, while the remaining seven come from private companies on lease. These buses run six days a week, covering seven key routes across Metro Manila and other cities.
Current Routes Served by Libreng Sakay
- PITX to Naic, Cavite and back
- PITX to Monumento, Caloocan and back
- Quiapo, Manila to Commonwealth, Quezon City and back
- Tacloban City to Yolanda relocation site and back
- Various routes around Metro Cebu
- Various routes around Davao City
- Various routes around Bacolod City
This initiative has been a vital relief for many commuters, especially during peak hours when public transportation is often overwhelmed. Extending the Libreng Sakay hours could help ease congestion and provide earlier travel options for those who start their day before dawn.
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