100 more buses for 24-hour Edsa carousel service

MANILA, Philippines — An additional 100 buses will be deployed to accommodate the 24-hour service at the EDSA Carousel this Christmas season, according to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

In a press conference yesterday, LTFRB board member and officer-in-charge Riza Marie Paches said 100 “rescue units” will augment the existing 550 bus fleet to accommodate the increased number of passengers.

“In terms of volume projection, we believe this is optimal, meaning this will cater to the graveyard shift, especially those who are working in the malls that also extended (their operating hours),” Paches said, referring to the extended mall hours for the Christmas season.

The LTFRB on Monday passed Board Resolution No. 174 for the 24-hour free ride EDSA carousel service seven times a week from Dec. 1 to 31. The current free rides program runs from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The free EDSA Carousel rides will last only until the end of the year, with no budget for its service contracting next year under the 2023 National Expenditure Program. The Department of Transportation has requested Congress to provide the budget for the free rides program to continue next year.