Iloilo City: Free rides on March 23 to offset transpo strike

ILOILO CITY — The Iloilo City government will roll out free transportation services on Monday, March 23, in response to a planned transport holiday, aiming to ease the burden on commuters across the city.

Mayor Raisa S. Treñas said the move comes after a transport alliance announced a one-day strike, prompting the local government to coordinate assistance through its “Libre Sakay” program.

Government buses and service vehicles will operate from three major jump-off points—Arevalo Plaza, Mandurriao Plaza, and Jaro Plaza—providing trips to and from Plaza Libertad.

Free rides will begin at 6 a.m., with vehicles stationed at designated loading areas. Units will depart once fully loaded and immediately return to their points of origin to accommodate more passengers.

Morning operations will run until 10 a.m.

Afternoon trips will start at 4 p.m., this time departing from Plaza Libertad back to the respective districts, and will run until 8 p.m.

Authorities also encouraged residents with private vehicles to offer carpooling to help fellow commuters.

The public is urged to cooperate and plan their trips ahead as the city implements measures to serve as many passengers as possible during the disruption.

Six buses will be deployed across the three districts, each covering specific routes.

The city government said the initiative is part of its efforts to ensure mobility and minimize inconvenience for residents amid the temporary halt of public transport services. /gsg