Transportation department expands free ride program nationwide

MANILA, Philippines — Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade has directed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to expand the implementation of the Free Ride Service Program nationwide regardless of the community quarantine classification.

Tugade said the program aims to help essential workers get to their destination safely and more efficiently by providing much-needed transportation without any cost.

“This is for the people,” Tugade said in a statement on Wednesday. “This is like a socialized transport system. It’s the government that pays, people just get on board. This is help for the people, for our brave essential workers.”

Tugade added that the nationwide expansion of the Free Ride Service Program seeks to stop the operation of colorum vehicles in and out of Metro Manila.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the Free Ride Service Program for health workers and authorized persons outside of residence (Apors) shall be implemented until the Bayanihan to Recover As One, or Bayanihan 2, funds for the Service Contracting Program are fully utilized.

It also said that the LTFRB may also hire additional personnel as necessary to effectively expand the Free Ride Service Program.

As of April 12, the Free Ride Service Program for health workers and Apors has recorded a total of over 2.2 million ridership in Metro Manila and other regions placed under enhanced community quarantine and modified enhanced community quarantine since its launch on March 18.

Of the total, 597,873 are from Metro Manila, while 1,651,722 are from the other regions.

The Free Ride Service Program covers 20 routes servicing the Greater Manila Area.

Meanwhile, Tugade reiterated his directive for transport operators, drivers and passengers to strictly implement the “Seven Commandments in Public Transport,” as well as the health and sanitation protocols recommended by medical experts, inside public transportation.

“Basic health protocols must still be implemented. Public transportation should not be a transmission vector of the virus,” he said.

The DOTr urged transportation stakeholders to observe the following seven steps against the novel coronavirus: Always wear face masks at face shields; avoid talking to another person or on the phone while in transit; do not eat while in transit; sufficient ventilation is required; disinfect frequently; symptomatic passengers should not board public transportation; and physical distancing must always be observed.