DOTr offers fuel subsidies to bus firms for free rides

Bus companies participating in the Department of Transportation's (DOTr) free ride program will now receive fuel subsidies to sustain their services for frontliners during the enhanced community quarantine.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade announced that 60 private bus companies will each be allocated 50 liters of fuel daily through a partnership with Phoenix Petroleum Philippines.

This initiative aims to ease the burden on bus operators and ensure the continued transport of health workers to their medical communities.

Bus units must complete at least two round trips daily to qualify for the fuel voucher, which will be validated by staging area leaders and gas station representatives.

The fuel subsidy will be available for the entire duration of the program at seven designated Phoenix Petroleum stations across Metro Manila and nearby areas.

Phoenix Petroleum Philippines expressed its full support for the DOTr's program, recognizing the crucial role of health workers during the current situation.

Since its launch on March 18, the DOTr Free Bus Service Program has transported over 15,000 frontline health workers as of March 30.

The program has expanded its operations to 24/7 and now covers 19 routes within Metro Manila and to Laguna, from its initial three routes.