The Department of Tourism (DOT), the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) are offering "Libreng Sakay," or free rides, in Metro Manila as part of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, according to the DOT's posts on Facebook. Modern jeepneys with ASEAN designs are carrying passengers for free on two routes until November 14, and the DOT is also giving free rides on LRT-1 on select days.
At a glance
- Who: DOT, DOTr and LTFRB (jeepney routes); DOT (LRT-1 free rides)
- Jeepneys: 15 modern jeepneys with ASEAN designs on each route
- Hours: 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- North route: SM Fairview to Buendia and back, 29 kilometers
- South route: Sucat to Baclaran and back, 16.5 kilometers, free from November 5
- Until: November 14
- LRT-1: free on November 11 (Wednesday) and November 13 (Friday), 7:00-9:00 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM
North route: SM Fairview to Buendia
The North Route runs between SM Fairview and Buendia, covering 29 kilometers in each direction, based on the route map the DOT posted. Fifteen modern jeepneys with ASEAN designs serve the route from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The DOT listed these stops along the way: SM City Fairview, Regalado Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon Avenue, España Boulevard and Taft Avenue (Buendia). The DOT said the free ride on this route runs until November 14.
South route: Sucat to Baclaran
The South Route runs between Sucat and Baclaran and back, covering 16.5 kilometers. According to the DOT, 15 modern jeepneys with ASEAN designs have been free to ride since November 5, from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM, until November 14. The DOT asked commuters to look for the jeepneys at these places: Waltermart Muntinlupa, Loyola Memorial Park, SM BF Parañaque, Manila Memorial Park, Waltermart Parañaque, SM City Sucat, Terminal 1, Baclaran Church, City of Dreams Manila, Ayala Malls Manila Bay and PITX.
Free LRT-1 rides
Separately, the DOT is giving free rides on LRT-1. The first free day was November 9, which the DOT said was part of the commemoration of the ASEAN Summit. Two more free days remain: November 11 (Wednesday) and November 13 (Friday), from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. In its post, the DOT said regular train commuters Alger Gapas and Irish Dela Cueva were among hundreds of riders who saved on fare during the first day.
What officials and riders said
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said in the DOT video that Filipinos should be part of the overall experience of the summit and should also be equal beneficiaries of the hospitality and tourism offerings given to visiting delegates and leaders. She cited the Libreng Sakay as one example.
The DOT also featured senior citizen Soledad of Muntinlupa, who travels daily to Parañaque, and described the free jeepney ride as a big help to her. A jeepney staff member in a separate DOT video told passengers in Filipino to board, saying the ride was free from SM Fairview to Buendia.
How to avail
Based on the DOT's posts, commuters only need to look for the modern jeepneys with ASEAN designs along the two routes and board them, since no fare is collected. The free jeepney rides end on November 14.
Source: Department of Tourism - Philippines (Facebook posts and videos). Route map: DOT, DOTr and LTFRB.