SCRIPT FOR DOCUMENTARY
INTRODUCTION
INTRO: 3 VIDEOS ABOUT THE FREE BUS CAROUSEL RIDE
How did the commuters rely on the free ride program, and how has their daily routine changed since it was
discontinued?
(voiceover) Narrator: For years, commuters in Metro Manila have been struggling with traffic congestion, long
commutes, and high transportation costs. But in 2020, a glimmer of hope emerged with the launch of the EDSA
Carousel, a bus rapid transit system that offered free rides to commuters along the busiest highway in the city.
( vid about the people happy with the free ride program )
Interviewee 1: It was a game-changer for us commuters. Finally, we had a reliable and affordable mode of transportation
along EDSA.
Interviewee 2: It made a big difference in my daily commute. I saved a lot of money and time by taking the EDSA
Carousel.
Narrator: But just a year later, the free ride program was ended, leaving commuters once again struggling to find
affordable and reliable transportation. This documentary explores the impact of the discontinued free ride program of
the EDSA Carousel on the commuters of Metro Manila.
(title ng documentary)
(VID OF THE RIDE TO PITX)
VOICEOVER narrator: IN DOCUMENTING OUR TRAVELS, WE OPEN UP WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES THAT EXPLORE THE
BEAUTY THAT LIES BEYOND.
OUR TEAM EXPLORE NEPA Q-MART – EDSA CAROUSEL SB TO INTERVIEW THE PEOPLE WHO HAS BEEN AFFECTED
WITH THE DISCONTINUANCE OF THE FREE RIDE PROGRAM.
( vid about sa QMART)
Narrator: THE DISCONTINUATION OF THE FREE RIDE PROGRAM OF THE EDSA CAROUSEL HAS CREATED NUMEROUS
CHALLENGES AND CONFLICTS FOR COMMUTE IN METRO MANILA. THE MOST OBVIOUS CHALLENGE IS THE RETURN OF
HIGH TRANSPORTATION COSTS.
(FIND A RANDOM INTERVIEWEE OR STUDENTS )
QUESTION IS: WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF THE LIBRENG SAKAY PROGRAM HAS ENDED DUE TO UNSUFFICIENT FUNDS?
DID THEY EXPERIENCE ANY INCONVENIENCE?
2
NARRATOR: THESE CHALLENGES AND CONFLICTS HIGHLIGHT THE IMPACT THAT THE CLOSEDOWN OF THE FREE RIDE
PROGRAM OF THE EDSA CAROUSEL HAS HAD ON THE COMMUTERS OF METRO MANILA. THE QUESTION IS: WHAT
CAN BE DONE TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES AND PROVIDE A BETTER TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM FOR EVERYONE.
( FIND AN INTERVIEWEE LIKE ENFORCERS TO ANSWER THE QUESTION )
VID OF THE CAROUSEL INSIDE
VOICEOVER: THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC, WHICH WAS AT ITS HEIGHT, COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN PUBLIC
TRANSPORTATION IN THE PHILIPPINES.
AS REGULATION WERE RELAXED, A TRANSPORTATION CONSORTIUM BUILT THE EDSA CAROUSEL, A DEDICATED
BUSWAY THAT RUNS THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF MRT LINE 3 ALONG METRO MANILA’S MAIN THROUGHFARE, A CITY
INFAMOUS FOR ITS TRAFFIC JAMS.
VIBAR: ( NAGLALAKAD SA PITX )
WITH PEOPLE GOING BACK TO WORK, DEMAND FOR THE BUSWAY HAS INCREASED DRAMATICALLY.
( CHOOSE A FASTFOOD WORKER TO BE OBSERVED AND INTERVIEWED ON HER/HIS WAY GOING TO WORK )
( DETAILS TO BE WRITTEN WHEN DONE WITH THE INTERVIEW)
POSSIBLE QUESTIONS ARE:
1.. What was the feedback from the commuters regarding the free ride program, and how did they respond to its
discontinuation?
4. How has the quality of life of the commuters been impacted since the free ride program was discontinued,
and what steps have they taken to adapt to the changes?
”What consequences did the EDSA Carousel's suspension of its free ride program have on Filipino commuters,
particularly those with low incomes?”
VOICEOVER: THE IMPACT OF THE DISCONTINUED FREE RIDE PROGRAM OF EDSA CAROUSEL ON COMMUTERS,
PARTICULARLY LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS WHO RELY ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FOR THEIR DAILY COMMUTE
ARE FORCED TO PAY FOR TRANSPORTATION COSTS. THIS ADDITIONAL EXPENSE CAN BE BURDEN ON THEIR ALREADY
LIMITED FINANCIAL RESOURCES.
THE cessation OF THE FREE RIDE PROGRAM ALSO AFFECTS HEALTHCARE WORKERS AND APOR WHO WERE
PREVIOUSLY ABLE TO SAVE MONEY ON TRANSPORATION COSTS. THESE INDIVIDUALS ARE NOW REQUIRED TO PAY
FOR TRANSPORTATION, WHICH CAN ADD TO THEIR STRESSFUL WORK ENVIRONMENT.
(INTERVIEW THE BUS DRIVERS)
the suspension of the free ride program of EDSA Carousel has had a significant impact on commuters in the
Philippines, particularly low-income individuals and those in essential sectors such as healthcare workers and APOR.
The program provided a crucial lifeline to those who rely on public transportation for their daily commute, helping
them save money on transportation costs during a time of economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The termination of the free ride program has not only increased the financial burden on low-income individuals but
also increased the risk of COVID-19 transmission due to overcrowding on public transportation. It is imperative that
the government takes necessary steps to address these issues and provide alternative solutions for commuters,
especially those in essential sectors, who continue to struggle during the pandemic.
How did the commuters rely on the free ride program, and how has their daily routine changed since it was
discontinued?
It is our hope that this documentary has shed light on the impact of the ceased free ride program of EDSA Carousel
and has inspired policymakers to take action to ensure that commuters, especially those in vulnerable sectors, have
access to safe and affordable transportation. As we move forward, we must work together to find sustainable
solutions that address the needs of all Filipinos and ensure that no one is left behind.
