As fuel prices climb amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Pasig City has received five electric minibuses for its free ride program, with Mayor Vico Sotto describing the timing of their arrival as appropriate.
In a post, Sotto said the city acquired the units at ₱3,989,600 each, noting that their delivery comes as global oil markets react to ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting supply and pricing. The vehicles will be operated under Pasig Transport and deployed through the city’s Libreng Sakay program.
The minibuses will be used to pilot underserved and potential public utility vehicle routes across Pasig. The local government will assess route demand and viability, with findings expected to guide service adjustments and future expansion.
City officials said the rollout is part of broader efforts to improve transport coverage and efficiency, while responding to cost pressures faced by commuters and operators as fuel prices rise.
The deployment also supports the finalization of Pasig’s Local Public Transport Route Plan and Traffic Management Plan, which are being developed in coordination with national government agencies to streamline routes and improve traffic flow.
Pasig has sustained its Libreng Sakay program since the COVID-19 pandemic. The addition of electric minibuses increases fleet capacity and introduces an alternative to fuel-dependent transport as local governments adjust to changing conditions in the energy market.
The arrival of the units comes as global oil supply concerns linked to the Middle East continue to drive price volatility, with transport systems among the sectors directly affected by sustained increases in fuel costs.
