The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Friday announced that it might offer discounted fares instead of 'Libreng Sakay' or free rides in the EDSA Busway Carousel for this year.
In a media briefing, LTFRB chairperson Teofilo 'Jojo' Guadiz said this is due to budget constraints.
In the 2023 national budget, the agency was granted a Php 1.283 billion for the 'Libreng sakay' program.
"Kung ang pinag-iisipan po natin kung totally libre na sakay, hindi po kakayanin. In fact, kapag ginamit mo lang iyan [Php 1.3 billion budget] sa EDSA, doon sa carousel nila, that will only be good for three or four months," he explained.
Guadiz said they are also eyeing to give fare discounts in other transportation services.
"The intention of the leadership is to stretch the money for as long as we can. And we [will] include jeepneys, shuttle riders. Hindi lang ho buses. So, we will just be giving discounts," he said.
As per the amount of discount to be given to passengers, the LTFRB chairperson said it is up to the decision of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
Just last week, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) confirmed that the national government's 'Libreng Sakay' program on the EDSA Busway system will be returning soon.
Guadiz also earlier pronounced that 'Libreng Sakay' would resume once the agency received the funding.
