MANILA, Philippines — Commuters facing difficult and potentially disrupted journeys amid continued monsoon rains have been given another lifeline as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) deploys government vehicles to provide free rides in parts of Metro Manila.
The move comes as the southwest monsoon, or “habagat,” continues to bring moderate to heavy rainfall over several areas of Luzon and the Visayas, raising the risk of flooding, landslides and transportation disruptions.
According to the latest government report released Wednesday, September 9, DOTr has deployed vehicle assets to help passengers affected by the inclement weather and ensure that commuters still have access to transportation.
Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the initiative is intended to keep commuters moving despite the difficult weather conditions.
The latest free-ride routes include Divisoria–Monumento, Kalentong–Pasig and Lawton–Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), with trips available in both directions, according to the Philippine News Agency.
The DOTr is working with other government agencies, including the Office of the President, Philippine Coast Guard and Department of Energy, in providing the emergency transportation assistance.
Free rides expanded during earlier flooding
The latest deployment follows a broader government response launched in August when heavy habagat rains caused flooding and stranded commuters across Metro Manila.
During the August 18 rollout, DOTr deployed 43 government vehicle assets and offered free rides from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the possibility of extending operations when necessary.
The initial routes included major commuter corridors such as Quiapo–Fairview, Lawton–PITX, Divisoria–Cubao, Baclaran–Monumento, Lawton–Muntinlupa, Heritage–Market Market, Kalentong–Pasig, Marikina–Cubao and Baclaran–Sucat.
The government subsequently continued the free-ride initiative on selected routes as heavy rains persisted. On August 19, Inquirer reported free rides operating from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. along several Metro Manila routes, including Quiapo–Fairview, Divisoria–Cubao, Divisoria–Monumento, Baclaran–Monumento, Kalentong–Pasig, Marikina–Cubao, Lawton–Sucat, Lawton–PITX and Monumento–PITX via the EDSA Busway.
Why the government is providing free rides
The emergency transport assistance is part of the government’s effort to prevent commuters from being stranded as flooding and heavy rainfall affect major roads and transportation corridors.
The DOTr previously said the initiative was carried out under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that commuters continue to have transportation options during severe weather.
The department has also taken steps to maintain the operation of critical transportation facilities during periods of severe weather. In August, DOTr officials inspected the MRT-3, EDSA Busway, PITX and NAIA Terminal 3 to help ensure continued transportation services.
More rain remains possible
The free-ride deployment comes as the weather bureau continues to warn of potentially heavy rainfall.
PAGASA has reported that the southwest monsoon is affecting portions of Luzon and the Visayas. Separately, the trough associated with Tropical Cyclone Krovanh has also been contributing to rainfall over parts of the country.
In its weather reporting, PAGASA warned of the possibility of flash floods and landslides in areas receiving moderate to occasionally heavy rain.
This means commuters should continue checking official weather and transportation advisories before leaving home, particularly those traveling through flood-prone roads.
What commuters should remember
The free rides are intended to assist passengers affected by the bad weather, but routes and operating schedules may change depending on conditions and government deployment.
Commuters should therefore look for vehicles marked “Libreng Sakay” and monitor the latest announcements from the DOTr and participating government agencies before heading to their usual routes.
For commuters caught in areas affected by flooding, the government assistance could provide a critical alternative as the habagat continues to disrupt travel across parts of the country.
For now, the message from transportation authorities is clear: despite the rain, efforts are being made to keep Metro Manila’s commuters moving.
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