The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P1.4 billion to bolster the implementation of the Libreng Sakay program along the EDSA Carousel Route.
The amount will be used to cover costs of service contracting necessary to continue the program.
“Ito pong paglagak natin ng additional funds ay suporta natin sa hangad ni President Marcos na i-extend and programang Libreng Sakay ng Department of Transportation at ng Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board hanggang Disyembre,” Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said.
The program was set to end on July 31, but President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced an extension until December this year.
The extension will cover free rides for students who will be using the MRT-3, LRT-2, and PNR during face-to-face classes.
The service contracting program provides financial support to transport service providers through performance-based payouts.
“Magiging malaking tulong po ito sa kabuhayan ng mga driver ng EDSA Busway na hanggang ngayon ay bumabangon mula sa epekto ng pandemya, at apektado sa patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng gasolina,” Pangandaman said. John Ezekiel J. Hirro