DOTr launches 'Libreng Sakay' free rides in Cebu and Davao

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) launched the 'Libreng Sakay' free rides program on Wednesday for the Urgello-Parkmall route in Cebu and extended it to Davao City on Thursday.

In Cebu, passengers can enjoy free rides daily from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., continuing until 2028, while the Davao program deploys eight buses along the Lasang-Roxas via Sasa Road route during peak hours.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon emphasized that the programs aim to help students and drivers save on daily expenses and encourage more people to use public transportation.

The government has allocated approximately P125 million for free rides in Cebu, while the Davao program is budgeted at PHP70 million per year, with an expected 6,000 commuters benefiting daily from the initiative.

DOTr plans to explore extending free rides to other routes in both cities and may launch similar programs in other parts of the country.