THE Tagbilaran City government is expanding its “Libreng Sakay” program to include jeepneys and multicabs, introducing a voucher-based system that will subsidize drivers while continuing to provide free transport to commuters.
This was disclosed by Mayor Jane Yap after a meeting with the city’s multicab and jeep operators together with Bohol First District Congressman John Geesnell “Baba” Yap II.
The move builds on the city’s existing bus-based Libreng Sakay service, which operates on three routes across key areas of Tagbilaran.
Currently, the program offers free rides from Monday to Saturday, during peak hours of 6:00 to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
The city-run buses cover three main corridors:
– Area 1 (Manga Market route): Ubujan Church, Shang Palace, Bohol Wisdom School, Jollibee CPG, City Square, St. Joseph Cathedral, and City Hall
– Area 2 (Cabawan Barangay Hall route): San Isidro Waiting Shed, Gate Lindaville Phases 1 and 2, Tiptip Covered Court, Dao Barangay Hall, Tagbilaran City Hall, Old Capitol, City Square, and Jollibee CPG
– Area 3 (Bool Barangay Hall route): Alsa Baso–Mansasa, Barangay Hall Dampas, Island City Mall, City Hall, Plaza Rizal, and St. Joseph Cathedral.
Afternoon return trips run from Plaza Rizal back to Manga Market, Cabawan Barangay Hall (via Dao, Tiptip, and San Isidro), and Bool Barangay Hall, following the same stop points in reverse.
Under the planned expansion, passengers using jeepneys and multicabs will receive free ride vouchers at designated “hop-on, hop-off” areas, where city personnel will distribute them based on route schedules.
Drivers will be compensated through a city-funded subsidy, ensuring continued income.
Mayor Jane Yap said the expanded program is designed to balance commuter relief with driver welfare.
“This is not just a promise. This is concrete action to help our commuters during difficult times,” Yap said.
She emphasized that transport operators are partners in the program.
“This is not competition but partnership. We want to expand services while making sure our drivers continue to earn and receive support,” she added.
The subsidy component is pending approval by the City Council after consultations with Vice Mayor Adam Jala, council members, and the Local Finance Committee.
The proposed ordinance has been certified as urgent, with approval targeted within the first week of April.
This program of the City Government of Tagbilaran aims to ease the burden of rising fares, ensure reliable transport services, and sustain the income of public utility drivers.
