Manila City gov’t hires jeepney drivers to provide free rides

MANILA, Philippines – The Manila City government has hired 1,442 jeepney drivers struggling with high fuel costs to provide free rides.

The city’s free transport program, which became effective through Executive Order No. 14, series of 2026, will run on Monday, March 30, and Tuesday, March 31, before being temporarily suspended during Holy Week. It will resume from Monday, April 6, to Wednesday, April 8.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno said the program is the city’s “immediate” response to the public’s needs as prices of fuel continue to increase due to the conflict in the Middle East.

Moreno said that the city may consider extending the initiative if it proves effective and depending on the availablity of funds. The city is expected to spend P21.63 million for this free transportation program.

Under the program, the city government will pay P3,000 per jeepney: P1,000 for the driver, P1,000 for the operator, and P1,000 allotted for diesel.

Each jeepney will be accompanied by an enforcer from the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau.
Participating units will be marked with a white banner that reads, “This PUJ is provided for by the City of Manila.”

Here are the 22 jeepney operators and drivers associations tapped by the city, and the routes where free rides are available.

– Rappler.com