The Manila Times
MANILA, Philippines — Caloocan Mayor Dave Gonzalo Malapitan on Tuesday announced that the local government has sealed a partnership with tricycle and jeepney groups based in the city to provide free ride for the commuters in exchange for regular financial subsidy amid the unabated increase in fuel costs, Malapitan told The Manila Times. Malapitan said the city government initially forged a deal with several tricycle operators and drivers’ associations (TODAs) to implement a ‘Libreng Sakay’ program that would start on April 6. “We simply wanted to think of several measures, including this one to alleviate the plight of the transportation sector due to the continuous fuel price hikes in local gas stations and at the same time, help our affected commuters,” the city chief executive said. According to the city’s Public Information Office (PIO), the program will beimplemented during the rush hours – 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. — when participating drivers would receive P695 for four hours of service per day. The son of former long-time Caloocan mayor and now District 1 Rep. Oscar Malapitan reiterated the local government’s full support to provide assistance to city-based public transportation providers as he ensured that additional programs would be implemented in anticipation of further surges in fuel prices. The younger Malapitan said similar schemes would be carried out in the coming days involving jeepney organizations. The PIO said interested applicants may inquire with their respective transport groups’ associations.
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