By I. Inojales, Helen Castaño | 12:26 PM April 19, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — An estimated 4,000 commuters have been availing themselves daily of the city government’s Libreng Sakay program since its rollout on April 13, 2026, providing much-needed relief amid rising transportation costs.
The free ride initiative, which covers participating jeepneys and multicabs, is part of the city’s P40.35-million Energy Crisis Social Protection Package designed to assist commuters, transport drivers, and fisherfolk affected by higher living expenses.
Under the program, passengers are issued vouchers at designated dispatch areas and present them upon boarding. Drivers then submit the collected vouchers for reimbursement from the city government, ensuring that operators continue to earn while commuters save on fares.
Mayor Jane Yap personally oversaw the program’s launch at Tagbilaran City Square, monitoring the distribution of vouchers and dispatch operations.
“Libreng Sakay is concrete help for our commuters, while also protecting the livelihood of our drivers through this program,” Yap said.
The service operates from Monday to Friday, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., on a first-come, first-served basis. Commuters line up at designated areas, sign an attendance sheet, receive a voucher, and hand it to the driver upon boarding.
City officials clarified that there is no limit to how many times a commuter may avail of the service, provided vouchers are secured on-site and used only for the assigned trip.
Routes include Mansasa-Bool, Habitat-Bool, Booy-Taloto-Ubujan Coastal Road, San Isidro-Cabawan Centro, Dao, Lindaville, Manga, Peñaflor, and Tiptip, all departing from City Square.
A special route also serves students of Tagbilaran City College traveling between the campus and B. Inting corner Jacinto Street.
Yap said the strong initial turnout highlights the program’s immediate impact on workers, students, and residents grappling with rising costs, while the subsidy mechanism ensures that public utility vehicle drivers continue to benefit from their regular routes.
The Libreng Sakay program is among several measures rolled out by the city government in response to the ongoing economic challenges.
