Manila: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has joined forces with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to offer free bus rides to commuters, aiming to alleviate the financial strain caused by rising fuel and basic commodity prices.

According to Philippines News Agency, DOLE Secretary Francis Tolentino announced that this initiative is part of the DOTr's Libreng Sakay Program, which commenced on Monday. The program provides workers with complimentary bus services on weekdays, excluding holidays, along the route from Lawton to the Para±aque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) via Taft Avenue. The buses are scheduled to depart from Lawton to PITX at 7:30 a.m. and from PITX to Lawton at 9 a.m.

Secretary Tolentino mentioned that DOLE is considering expanding its transportation assistance by collaborating with transport groups in the future. He highlighted the Department's history of supporting the transport sector through initiatives like the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.

"We will talk to the transport groups...If you remember, the DOTr gave aid to the transport sector. A large portion of it came from the DOLE. That was TUPAD,' Tolentino stated.

Additionally, Tolentino noted that DOLE is currently providing shuttle services for its employees traveling between Manila and Trece Martires, Cavite. He also revealed that a new route offering free rides in Marikina and Cainta, Rizal, has been approved.