P659 M given to EDSA Carousel operators – LTFRB

An estimated P659 million has been paid to EDSA Carousel bus operators under the government’s Libreng Sakay program, but it is still behind by one month in complying with its obligations to the service contractors, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said yesterday.

LTFRB executive director Cheloy Garafil said the agency has paid P310 million in the past two weeks, since the start of the Marcos administration.

The total payment will cover up to about Week 10 of the free ride program, which is ongoing until Week 15.

Garafil said they are looking at settling all arrears before the end of the month.

With the payment, the LTFRB hoped to cover the deficiencies and allow operators to fully deploy all 440 bus units, particularly during peak hours.

“Payment is behind by a month. It’s not so high compared to the previous months. We are confident and relying on the word of the consortia that they will maximize deployment of 440 vehicles especially during rush hour,” Garafil said at a press briefing.

The free bus ride program costs about P74 million to P79 million per week, depending on the ridership, data from the LTFRB showed.

Due to the delay in payments, two bus consortia were unable to fully deploy their buses as they were unable to pay their drivers and operators.

Garafil said they committed to fast-track the payments to operators to ease the pain of the commuting public.

“We committed to settle the delay. Once everything is settled, we will require them full deployment. This way, they will have no reason not to deploy to their full capacity,” she said.

Garafil said the LTFRB has sufficient funds for the free ride program on the EDSA Carousel until Dec. 6.

However, she said they are still looking for budget to comply with President Marcos’ directive to extend the free bus ride program until the end of the year.

She said they are looking at implementing a fleet management system to track ridership and unit deployment on the EDSA bus carousel to ensure better quality service for commuters.

“We have no data on that. The passenger uptick is not fully addressed. The system is vital to determine where to send (the buses) and how many. That’s what we see that needs to be improved in our world standards,” she added.

On proposals to allow standing persons on buses, Garafil said they have to consult with the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases before implementing any policy on this matter.