Cebu City Transport Crisis: Free Ride Program Under Investigation
Cebu City officials launch investigation into DOTr's free ride program as modern jeepneys abandon routes and drivers report systemic issues, affecting thousands of daily commuters.
Cebu City Councilor Winston Pepito discusses transport concerns with local MPUJ drivers amid free ride program investigation
Transport Officials Call for Probe into Failing Free Ride Initiative
Cebu City Councilor Winston Pepito, chairman of the transportation committee, has called for an urgent investigation into the Department of Transportation's (DOTr) Libreng Sakay program following reports of service disruptions and driver non-compliance. The initiative, similar to other infrastructure challenges facing Cebu, is showing signs of systemic issues just three weeks after launch.
Program Implementation Challenges
The free ride program, launched on July 23, 2025, with a substantial budget of P150-160 million, aimed to serve 20,000 daily passengers along the busy Urgello-Parkmall route. However, similar to recent public service disruptions in other cities, the initiative is facing significant operational challenges.
Driver Concerns and Public Impact
"Instead of 'libre,' it has now become 'doble' for the riding public. Doble hassle, doble plete," stated Councilor Pepito in his recent social media post.
Key issues identified include:
- MPUJs avoiding passenger pickup
- Drivers claiming illness or taking unauthorized breaks
- Early collection demands from operators
- Fixed boundary fee system demotivating drivers
Regulatory Intervention
As government oversight becomes increasingly critical across various sectors, Pepito has urged the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to intervene and ensure operator compliance with program requirements.
Program Statistics
- 100 modern public utility vehicles deployed
- P350,000 daily operator subsidy
- 20,000 target daily passenger capacity
The investigation aims to address these challenges and restore the program's effectiveness in serving Cebu City's commuting public.
Manny Pacquiao
Independent Filipino journalist covering democracy, civil rights, and government accountability across Southeast Asia.