The Cebu provincial government is set to roll out a P20-million free ride program to help commuters cope with rising fuel costs, officials confirmed on Wednesday, March 18.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro said the initiative, funded by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), is being fast-tracked along with separate rice and fuel subsidy programs.
“We will discuss this this week. We have already convened the governor and department heads and coordinated with the DOE and DILG. We had a meeting this morning,” Baricuatro said.
The program is expected to cover major inter-city routes, particularly from northern and southern towns heading to Cebu City.
Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces said the province has already received the full P20-million allocation from DOTr.
“Naa natay nadawat nga 20 million from the DOTr to launch the libreng sakay program to help assist atong pasahero from north and south—Danao to Cebu City; Carcar to Cebu City,” Empaces said.
He added that operational details, including bus deployment and schedules, are still being finalized.
“We just have to determine how many buses will be deployed. We will present our proposal, and once it is approved, the governor will announce the rollout,” he said.
Baricuatro emphasized that the program is designed to support existing transport services, not compete with them.
Buses under the program will operate on fixed timetables, departing at set times regardless of passenger numbers.
“Naay timetable. Kinahanglan mo-depart siya at a certain time, with or without pasahero,” she said.
The initiative may also complement the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) system once operational.
“Ang plano ani kay naa naman tay CBRT, mura ni siyag mo-feeder system. From Carcar, they can transfer to the BRT. Dako siya og tabang kay dili na sila need mo plete,” Empaces said.
Officials are also coordinating with potential private bus operators, although no partnerships have been finalized.
Discussions are ongoing to ensure the free ride program runs smoothly alongside national assistance efforts.
Alongside free rides, the province is preparing guidelines for rice and fuel subsidies under a sector-based approach.
Baricuatro said the National Food Authority (NFA) may distribute 20 kilos of rice per beneficiary.
Empaces added that informal transport workers, including habal-habal drivers, are being considered for inclusion.
“Sectoral ang approach, and we are thinking of addressing habal-habal… dako kaayo ni sila og papel sa atong transportation,” he said.
The Cebu rollout aligns with national measures to ease the impact of rising fuel prices.
Malacañang previously announced that fuel subsidies for nearly 400,000 PUV drivers are expected to expand nationwide by April, along with additional free ride programs.
These initiatives aim to reduce costs for both commuters and transport workers as fuel prices continue to climb. (LLP)
