EDSA Bus Carousel: To Stay or Go?
Manila, Philippines —
Secretary Jaime Bautista of the Department of Transportation assured the public that the EDSA bus carousel is hear to stay. “Hindi tatanggalin ang EDSA busway. Nagkaroon lang ng discussion diyan pero hindi siya tatanggalin,” Bautista stated in an interview with DWPM Radyo 630. (The EDSA busway will not be removed. Ther was just a discussion about it,but it will not be taken down.)
Bautista’s statement comes after a recent meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other Cabinet members to discuss the Comprehensive Traffic Management Plan for Metro Manila and nearby provinces. During the meeting, President Marcos emphasized the importance of an efficient public transport system, stressing, “we need to have an efficient public transport system.”
However, a contrasting viewpoint was presented by DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla and MMDA Chairperson Don Artes.They announced plans to phase out the bus system once the MRT-3 can adequately handle the passenger volume currently served by the buses. This move is part of their larger strategy to alleviate notorious traffic congestion on EDSA.
Artes previously highlighted the overlap between the EDSA bus carousel and the MRT-3 routes. The MRT-3 runs from North Avenue in quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City, covering 13 stations and operating on fixed hours. in contrast, the EDSA Bus Carousel operates on a longer route, spanning from Monumento in Caloocan City to PITX in Parañaque City, with 23 stops and 24/7 service, including late-night and early morning hours when train services are unavailable.
The debate surrounding the fate of the EDSA bus carousel underscores the complex challenges faced by Metro Manila in managing its ever-growing transportation needs. While the MRT-3 expansion aims to bolster the city’s rail network, the bus carousel plays a crucial role in connecting diverse communities and providing reliable transport options outside of the train system’s operating hours.
Ultimately, finding a lasting solution that balances the needs of commuters, addresses traffic congestion, and leverages existing infrastructure will be key to ensuring an efficient and accessible public transportation system in Metro manila.
Is the EDSA Busway Heading Towards Privatization?
The EDSA busway, a dedicated bus lane along the country’s busiest thoroughfare Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), has become a crucial component of the Philippines’ public transportation system. While its initial implementation aimed to alleviate traffic congestion and improve public transport efficiency, recent discussions indicate a potential shift towards privatization.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is currently evaluating the feasibility of privatizing the EDSA Busway. Assistant Secretary for Road Transport, Mark De Jesus Bautista, revealed that the study, which aims to determine the optimal model for private sector involvement, is expected to be concluded within the next few months.
Bautista emphasized the desire for the EDSA Busway to meet international standards, ensuring passenger comfort and convenience.
“_Gusto sana natin na yung EDSA Busway conforms to international standards para sa comfort at convenience ng ating mga pasahero_.”
Bautista’s statement highlights the DOTr’s vision for a modern and efficient public transport system.
Last year, the dotr announced plans to initiate bidding for the EDSA bus carousel, as reported by Business World.
Alongside the potential privatization, the EDSA Busway has experienced ongoing expansions. Though, these expansions have sparked concerns among advocacy groups. The Move as One Coalition, along with 22 other civil organizations, expressed their worries about statements made by DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista and Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla regarding road priorities.
In a statement, the coalition emphasized the importance of pedestrian, public transportation user, and cyclist needs, stating, “All of us are pedestrians, and a significant number are choosing to walk or cycle to work and school and to access social services.”
This statement underscores the need for a balanced approach to road infrastructure development, ensuring the safety and convenience of all road users.
What are your thoughts on teh future of the EDSA Bus Carousel? Share your opinions in the comments below
EDSA Bus Carousel: To Stay or Go? An Interview with Transportation Expert maria Santos
EDSA Bus Carousel: To Stay or Go? An Interview with Transportation Expert Maria Santos
The future of the EDSA Bus Carousel is uncertain, with contrasting viewpoints emerging from government officials. To get a clearer understanding of the situation, Archyde News spoke with Maria Santos, a leading transportation expert and advocate.
Archyde: Ms. Santos, there’s been a lot of discussion lately about the fate of the EDSA Bus Carousel. Can you shed some light on the current situation?
Maria Santos: Certainly.The EDSA Bus Carousel has become a vital part of Metro Manila’s public transport system, particularly for those who rely on it for their daily commutes. Though,recent statements from government officials have sparked debate about its future.Some, like Secretary bautista, have stated their commitment to keeping it, while others, such as Secretary Remulla and MMDA Chairperson Artes, suggest phasing it out once the MRT-3 can handle the volume.
Archyde: What are the key arguments for and against keeping the EDSA Bus Carousel?
Maria Santos: On the one hand, the EDSA Bus Carousel offers numerous advantages. It provides a dedicated lane for buses, significantly reducing travel times and improving the efficiency of the system. It also operates 24/7, filling a critical gap when rail services are unavailable. From a practical outlook, it connects various communities along EDSA, offering crucial access to employment, education, and essential services.
On the other hand, the argument for phasing it out centers around the potential of the expanded MRT-3 to alleviate traffic congestion. The idea is that if train service becomes more reliable and convenient, the need for the bus carousel might diminish.
Archyde: what factors should be considered when making this decision?
Maria Santos: This is a complex decision, and several crucial factors need to be carefully assessed. A thorough analysis of ridership trends, projected passenger demand, and the actual capacity and reliability of the expanded MRT-3 are essential. We also need to consider the potential impact on commuters reliant on the EDSA Bus Carousel, particularly those who work non-conventional hours or live in areas not directly served by the rail system.
Moreover, the potential environmental impact of both systems should be carefully evaluated. Public consultation and transparency in the decision-making process are also critical to ensure that the needs of all stakeholders are considered.
Archyde: What recommendations do you have for ensuring a smooth transition,if indeed the EDSA Bus Carousel is phased out?
Maria Santos: If the decision is made to phase out the EDSA Bus Carousel,it must be done gradually and responsibly. Implementing a robust system of dialog to inform commuters about the changes is paramount. Providing option transportation options, like expanded feeder routes or improved bus connections to the MRT-3, is also crucial.
Investing in real-time details systems to help commuters navigate the updated transportation network is essential. Ultimately, the focus should be on minimizing disruption to commuters and ensuring that an efficient and accessible public transport system remains in place.
