Commuters on two major Metro Manila routes can save on daily travel costs with free modern jeepney rides from November 5 to 14 under a joint initiative of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Transportation (DOTr) ahead of the Philippine-hosted ASEAN Summit.
The 10-day program will deploy 30 modern jeepneys, split equally between the SM Fairview-Buendia and Sucat-Baclaran routes. Services will run daily from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m., offering commuters an alternative without the usual fare.
The northern route will operate eight one-way trips daily, while the southern route will have 10, according to the two departments.
The initiative is expected to serve an average of 12,500 passengers daily, based on Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board data. It will also provide additional income for participating drivers and transport workers during the program.
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said the initiative is intended to make the benefits of hosting the regional gathering more tangible to ordinary Filipinos.
“Dapat maramdaman ng bawat Pilipino ang konkretong benepisyong hatid nito,” said Angara-Mathay, who also serves as vice chair for operations of the summit’s National Organizing Committee.
The free rides will also carry a tourism message. The modern jeepneys will feature images of Philippine destinations, festivals and tourism activities, turning the commuter service into a moving showcase of the country’s attractions.
DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor said the agency was supporting the DOT-led initiative through coordination between the two departments.
The service will begin following the ceremonial signing of a tripartite agreement.
The 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings are scheduled for November 16 to 18, bringing regional leaders and foreign delegates to the Philippines for discussions on regional cooperation and policy issues.
For commuters along the two routes, however, the immediate agenda is simpler: getting to their destinations without paying the fare.
