At least two coasters from the provincial government of Ilocos Norte are being prepared to ferry capitol employees who commute daily to work in the downtown area.
The Metro Ilocos Norte Council, under the provincial government, is finalizing the headcount those who will benefit from the initiative.
“We will offer free shuttle services to commuters, but our priority for now is the shuttle services for provincial government employees,” Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos said in an interview Monday,
Free rides for students, particularly those coming from remote areas, are also being considered by the provincial government in partnership with local government units.
“This is very helpful to us who commute daily to work,” Irene Ringor, a resident of Barangay Tabug in Batac City, said.
Ringor said she takes a tricycle to the nearest bus stop and travels by bus to Laoag City for almost one hour, in time for the provincial government’s 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. compressed four-day workweek.
With her meager income as a rank-and-file employee, Ringor said she spends PHP210 daily on transport.
Aside from government employees, free rides — or “Libreng Sakay” — for students, particularly those coming from remote areas, are also being considered by the provincial government in partnership with local government units.
The provincial government said specific details of the free rides program will be announced soon.
By Leilanie Adriano (PNA)