The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that the 24/7 free rides in EDSA Bus Carousel will run for the whole month of December. DOTr initially scheduled the Libreng Sakay program to run December 15-31.
This 24/7 free ride announcement came after the directive of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). The Libreng Sakay program is in anticipation of the influx of passengers during the Christmas season, as well as extended mall hours in Metro Manila.
DOTr and LTFRB said the initiative is to ensure Filipinos can commute beyond normal operating hours without having to worry about their fare. The free rides will also benefit BPO workers and mall employees as they will have faster access to transportation.
Bautista also said that the DOTr’s Inter-Agency for Traffic will be there to provide 24-hour security throughout December 1-31.