Manila: Several 'Libreng Sakay' (free ride) buses and trucks are plying the roads of the National Capital Region (NCR) on Wednesday as part of the government's effort to ensure the mobility of the public amid a three-day transport strike.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) stated that these free rides were deployed by the Office of the President (OP), the DOTr, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA). The initiative follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to ensure commuters have access to transportation despite the ongoing strike.

These vehicles offering free rides are stationed along routes including Monumento-Quezon Avenue via EDSA, Nagtahan-Espa±a via Lacson, White Plains Avenue-Cubao via EDSA, Welcome Rotonda-QC Hall via Quezon Avenue, E. Rodriguez/Araneta Avenue-Quezon Avenue, and E. Rodriguez/Araneta Avenue-Cubao. The DOTr noted that these buses and trucks are prepared to operate at any time to assist stranded commuters.

The transport strike was announced by transport groups Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston) and Samahang Manibela Mananakay at Nagkaisang Terminal ng Transportasyon (Manibela). Manibela members plan to protest from September 17 to 19, while Piston scheduled its strike for September 18.