Gov’t to privatize EDSA Bus Carousel by 2023, DOTr chief Bautista says

The government will privatize the operation of the EDSA Bus Carousel service by 2023, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista said on Wednesday.

Bautista made the statement during the opening of a new bus stop for the EDSA Bus Carousel in Tramo in Pasay City, according to a tweet of GMA Integrated News reporter Joseph Morong.

In September, Bautista ordered a study on the possible privatization of the EDSA Bus Carousel.

DOTr Undersecretary Mark Steven Pastor said the study aimed to determine the advantages in giving the busway system operations to the private sector.

He added that the privatization of the EDSA Bus Carousel needed study because it involves many components such as bus units and infrastructures, which are under the jurisdiction of other agencies.

Asked about the possibility of a fare increase, the DOTr said it would be highly regulated and under the jurisdiction of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

The government has been offering free rides on the EDSA Bus Carousel under its “Libreng Sakay” program, which is set to end on December 31, 2022. Under the program, the government taps buses to provide free rides to commuters.

According to the DOTr, the EDSA Bus Carousel accommodates around 320,000 to 390,000 passengers daily. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA Integrated News