Public transport drivers in Metro Manila started receiving P5,000 fuel assistance today under a new government program, which will expand nationwide by April.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the program covers ride-hailing motorcycles and cars, taxis, jeepneys, buses, and tricycles. 

Recto added that about 135,196 tricycle drivers are the first to receive payouts, coordinated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Transportation (DOTr), and local government units.

Following the initial rollout, the program will extend to TNVS drivers, motorcycle taxi drivers, bus drivers, and jeepney drivers in Metro Manila. 

The nationwide distribution will begin once the DSWD, DOTr, and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) finalize the list of beneficiaries.

Recto also announced a Libreng Sakay Program for fare-free rides, targeting commuters, students, and workers affected by rising fuel and basic commodity prices. 

“We are doing an inventory of what we can deploy, and who can participate,” Recto said.

He added that the initiative will use government-owned vehicles, contracted buses, and extended operations of LGU-run free bus services.

“There will be various modalities. We can deploy government-owned vehicles, for example. Or even contract buses and designate these as fare-free rides. We can also ask LGUs who run free bus services to extend the operating hours,” Recto said.