Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) national chairperson Rene Magtubo opposed the plan to privatize the EDSA Bus Carousel system amid welcoming the return of the government's "Libreng Sakay" (free rides) program.

According to Magtubo, bringing back the free rides on EDSA is good news for employees and commuters, but, privatizing the EDSA carousel only means higher fares without better service once implemented.

He noted the benefits of free rides to commuters in terms of saving income and traveling time.

Moreover, the PM's chairperson said that the government must maintain control of international airports and may opt to consider other models such as cooperatives for the operation of the EDSA busway.

The free rides ended on December 31, 2022, due to funding issues.