Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso announced Tuesday an increase in the daily subsidy for jeepney drivers participating in the city’s free ride program to help them cope with surging fuel prices.

The daily pay for drivers and operators under the “Libreng Sakay” initiative will rise from P3,500 to P4,000. Domagoso said the P500 increase is specifically intended to offset a recent P18-per-liter spike in diesel prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

“Drivers, I am adding P500 to your daily pay so that the price increase of fuel yesterday can be offset today and in the coming days,” Domagoso said.

The program, which rents private jeepneys to provide free transportation to the public, resumed this week following the Holy Week break. Since its launch on 31 March, the initiative has served 129,885 passengers and provided steady income to 1,038 participating drivers.

Under the program’s mechanics, the city government provides a fixed income to drivers and operators while also covering fuel allocations for their trips.