Mandaue expands free bus services

Local

Mandaue City has expanded its free bus services to help commuters cope with increasing fuel prices.

The city announced on Friday, March 27, that it will roll out three additional routes under its Libreng Sakay program starting Monday, March 30.

The expansion aims to provide immediate relief to residents struggling with daily expenses amid the ongoing surge in fuel prices.

Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano said the new routes will cover KFC Mandaue to Savemore Canduman (vice versa), Shell Centro to Flyover Maguikay (clockwise route), and Savemore Canduman to the Mandaue City School for the Arts (vice versa).

Buses will operate during peak commuting hours from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., following the same schedule as the existing service.

“We just want to provide a little relief to our constituents, especially now that fuel costs continue to rise,” Ouano said.

The city government is working closely with several barangays, including Banilad, Canduman, Ibabao-Estancia, Maguikay, Tabok, Basak, and Pagsabungan, to deploy the additional buses.

The expansion is part of the city’s broader plan under a P40 million budget allocated for bus rentals this year.

Authorities had initially planned to gradually increase the number of routes to six, including those already operating under the current Libreng Sakay service.

However, due to the continued increase in fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East, the city decided to fast-track the rollout with assistance from partner barangays.

Ouano added that the procurement of additional buses is ongoing.

The city is also considering leasing electric vehicles on a monthly basis as a more cost-efficient alternative, since these do not rely on fuel.

Under the program, the city shoulders the fuel expenses and hires the drivers and conductors.

The Libreng Sakay Program was first launched in February to serve students, with two buses operating between City Hall and the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue.

The buses were donated by the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

With the addition of more buses, Ouano said the program will now extend beyond students and cater to a wider range of commuters in the city.

Lapu-Lapu City launched its own Libreng Sakay program on Thursday, March 26.

Coaster buses were deployed along two main routes.

According to the city’s public information office, this includes MEPZ 1 to Buaya, Mactan, Marigondon Crossing (vice versa) and Basak to Marigondon Crossing, Babag, Looc, Mercado (vice versa).(MyTVCebu)