(FILE PHOTO)

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said “Libreng Sakay (free ride)” program for health workers and other authorized persons outside of residence (APOR) to resume next week.

In a social media post, LTFRB said drivers and operators of public utility vehicles (PUV) will again enjoy the benefits and incentives under the Service Contracting Program (SCP) after it was budgeted under current the General Appropriations Act of 2021.

“Sa ilalim ng SCP, binibigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga operator at driver na kumita base sa bilang ng trip na kanilang itinakbo kada linggo, may sakay man sila o wala,” the LTFRB said.

It said these incentives are given to participating drivers and operators on a weekly basis.

To join the program, interested PUV drivers and operators must have a valid and existing Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC), Provisional Authority (PA), and a special permit from the LTFRB that allows them to continue their service in select routes across the country.

“Para sa mga interesadong PUV operator sa Metro Manila, maaaring makipag-ugnayan sa Central Office ng LTFRB (For interested PUV operators in Metro Manila, they may reach out to the LTFRB Central Office.),” the LTFRB said.

For PUV operators and drivers in other regions that are interested in joining, they may reach out to their respective LTFRB Regional Franchising and Regulatory Offices.

In July, the LTFRB and Department of Transportation paused the SCP while its continued funding was negotiated under the present 2021 budget.