The Libreng Sakay or free ride program is eyed to be relaunched on the EDSA Carousel busway by next month, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said.

According to LTFRB chairperson Teofilo Guadiz, the agency is just waiting for the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to release funds.

"For now, we are waiting for the Department of Budget and Management to release the funds for us to continue the Libreng Sakay program. Our timeline is February this year," he said.

To recall, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued a P1.4 billion fund last year to extend the said program until Dec. 31, 2022, as it was expected to end in July.

He also addressed issues regarding the program including the insufficient number of buses being deployed and the conductors overcharging commuters.