The Department of Transportation (DOTr) rolled out a “Libreng Sakay” program on Thursday, March 19, in response to a nationwide transport strike.

The free rides are available from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Buses are prepared to provide the public with free rides on selected routes in Metro Manila.

Among the routes covered are Quiapo–Welcome Rotonda, Welcome Rotonda–Cubao, Nagtahan–Cubao, Taft–United Nations–PITX, and Lawton–PITX.

According to authorities, the initiative is a coordinated effort involving the Office of the President, DOTr, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The free ride program aims to ease the burden on commuters and ensure mobility despite disruptions caused by the protest, DOTr said.

"Ito’y bilang tugon sa utos ng Pangulo na tiyaking may masasakyan ang mga pasahero sa gitna ng ikinakasang tigil-pasada ngayong araw," DOTr said.

The transport strike, led by PISTON, was launched as drivers, operators and other sectoral group protested the continued rise in fuel prices and the suspension of a planned fare increase.

The fare hike, originally set to take effect on March 19, was deferred following an order from President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.