The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Tuesday announced that the number of buses plying EDSA Carousel has been reduced from 758 to 550, its regular number, following the end of the free ride services on New Year's Day.

According to the LTFRB, temporary buses were added to the busway’s operation during the free ride program because of the holiday rush.

“Resolved, the reduction of the number of units serving the busway from seven hundred fifty-eight (758) units to five hundred fifty (550) units starting January 1, 2023,” said the resolution signed by LTFRB Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III.

The resolution likewise said the EDSA Busway Carousel will still operate 24/7 but on a fare box scheme using the approved fare matrix/guide until further notice from the board.

It added that the Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS) is likewise suspended "until the necessary preparatory activities and sufficient public information campaign are undertaken."

"A separate issuance on the use of AFCS in the Edsa Busway will be released," the resolution read.