The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has firmly stated that the EDSA Busway will continue to operate and will not be dismantled to make way for private vehicles. This assurance came from DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista during a recent interview on Radyo 630. Instead of removing the busway, the DOTr is exploring privatization of its operations and maintenance to enhance its efficiency.
Secretary Bautista mentioned that a feasibility study on the privatization is expected to be completed in the coming months, with the goal of awarding the operations and maintenance contract by the end of 2026. He emphasized that the EDSA Busway is distinct from the MRT-3, as it caters to a broader range of commuters from Caloocan City to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), unlike the MRT-3 which only serves from North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City.
To further ease traffic congestion, the busway now accommodates point-to-point (P2P) and airport express buses. This decision comes despite suggestions from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) that removing the bus lane could free up space on EDSA. MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes argued that the MRT is a more convenient option for commuters, offering more stops and the ability to accommodate bus passengers.
The discussion about potentially phasing out the EDSA Busway was part of a broader conversation during a meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and his Cabinet, focusing on the Comprehensive Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) for Metro Manila and surrounding areas. President Marcos highlighted the importance of an efficient public transport system during these discussions.