PPP Center to conduct feasibility study on EDSA Bus Carousel privatization

The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center will conduct the feasibility study on the privatization of the EDSA Bus Carousel service, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Thursday.

“[K]ami po ay nakipagugnayan sa PPP Center na sila po ang magsasagawa nung binabanggit po nating feasibility study,” Transportation Undersecretary Mark Steven Pastor said on GMA News’ Unang Hirit.

(We coordinated with the PPP Center and they will conduct the feasibility study.)

“Upang malaman po natin at masiyasat nila kung ano po ‘yung tamang pamamamaraam upang i-implement po itong privitization,” he added.

(This is so we can know the right way to implement the privatization.)

Meanwhile, Pastor said that though they did not extend a formal offer, some private companies have expressed their interest in the program.

The government is eyeing to privatize the EDSA Bus Carousel by 2023.

The government has been offering free rides on the EDSA Bus Carousel under its “Libreng Sakay” program, which is set to end on December 31, 2022.

Pastor also said the public will “feel” the budget allocated for the program in 2023 after he asked how the government will use the budget for the program when it has become privatized.

“Sinisigirado naman natin na yung P2.2 billion na inilaan po para sa service contracting next year ay mararamdaman po ng ating mga kababayan hindi lang po sa Maynila, kundi sa buong bansa po,” he said.

(We will ensure that the P2.2 billion that was allocated for the service contracting next year will be felt by the public, not only in Manila but nationwide.)

According to Pastor, the DOTr is eyeing to privatize the carousel by the 3rd quarter of 2023.

He said they are also seeking to establish three more bus stations and renovate three others next year.

According to the DOTr, the EDSA Bus Carousel accommodates around 320,000 to 390,000 passengers daily. — Joahna Lei Casilao/RSJ, GMA Integrated News