Around 931,000 passengers benefited from the free jeepney rides launched by the Manila City government during its first five days of operation.

In a statement released on Thursday, April 9, the city government reported that a total of 931,831 passengers were served by 1,128 participating jeepneys under the initiative.

According to data from the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau, the “Libreng Sakay” program served commuters on March 30 and 31 and again on April 6, 7, and 8, following a pause for Holy Week.

The daily allowance for drivers participating in the city’s ‘Libreng Sakay’ program was increased, raising it from ₱3,500 to ₱4,000.

Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso said the additional subsidy aims to help drivers cope with escalating fuel costs while continuing to provide free transportation services to the public.

Domagoso announced that there would be no immediate extension of the program while the city evaluates its performance and impact.

However, the mayor assured residents that the city government would continue exploring ways to ease public hardships and provide support amid the ongoing crisis.