DOTr Praises EDSA Busway as Metro Manila’s Top Public Transport

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has lauded the EDSA busway as the most effective public road transport system in Metro Manila. In a recent statement, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista highlighted that the busway catered to over 63 million passengers in 2024, and in January of the current year, it has already served more than 5.5 million, with a daily average of 177,000 commuters. Secretary Bautista emphasized the busway’s role in advancing public transportation, noting its 23 stations that operate around the clock, providing a safe and dependable travel option. He also mentioned ongoing private sector studies aimed at enhancing the busway’s efficiency without exacerbating traffic issues. However, Bautista noted that the potential shared use of bike lanes by motorcycles requires further investigation. Meanwhile, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Romando Artes suggested the possible removal of the EDSA busway to boost the capacity of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) system. This proposal is still under review and would only proceed after significant upgrades to the MRT-3, such as increasing the number of train coaches and shortening waiting times, to accommodate the busway’s commuters.