Commuters can now enjoy travel even up to Cebu’s northern and southern localities through the national government’s “Libreng Sakay (free ride)” program.

In an advisory, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Central Visayas (LTFRB-7) regional director Eduardo Montealto Jr. said his office has approved more routes for the free rides under the national government’s service contracting scheme.

“Transport service cooperatives and transport corporations have joined the fleet of the Libreng Sakay under the service contracting program of the Department of Transportation. Take note of these routes for you might be able to avail the free rides in your area,” Montealto said.

The agency added 23 routes to cater to more passengers from the south and north district, including loop services servicing hospitals in the southern and northern areas of this capital city and the neighboring city of Mandaue.

Workers living in the interior villages here can now travel for free to their workplaces, shopping centers and supermarkets, business districts, and even to the upland barangay of Guba.

There is also an added route that will cater to people who will catch a flight by taking the route passing the Talisay-Mactan Cebu International Airport corridor.

Also approved are buses plying the routes from the North Bus Terminal to the towns of Borbon and Tabogon, as well as the Cebu City to Bogo and Tuburan, and a special route from Carmen town in northern Cebu province to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center here.

Passengers to and from Alcoy, Moalboal, Pinamungajan, and Balamban can also enjoy the free ride program.

The LTFRB-7 likewise included in the program the Cebu City Hospital-Carcar City route.

Workers from the northern town of Liloan can take a ride for free in going to Mactan Export Processing Zone in Lapu-Lapu City while residents of this historical island city can take a ride from the public market to Barangay Marigondon or to the neighboring town of Cordova.

In Bohol, there are six routes for the “Libreng Sakay” which mostly link the capital city of Tagbilaran to six towns.

In Negros Oriental, the routes approved are the Dumaguete City to Jimamalud, Mabinay Bayawan, and Manjuyod routes. (PNA)