More commuters seeking free bus rides

MANILA, Philippines — Since the free ride program for front-liners and essential workers was launched, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the ridership at the Edsa Busway had spiked to 145,000-150,000 passengers per day or more than double the average of 60,000 passengers per day before the free ride program, Assistant Transportation Secretary Goddes Hope Libiran said.

She said the highest ridership was recorded on June 14, with 182,400 passengers.

The DOTr said the increase in ridership led to longer passenger lines in bus stops along Edsa.

“There is now a number of commuters who prefer to take the Edsa Busway rather than the MRT 3 since the ride is free,” the DOTr said. —MARIEJO S. RAMOS