The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has voiced strong opposition to the proposed closure of the EDSA busway, advocating instead for the enhancement of the Mabuhay Lanes to combat traffic congestion in Metro Manila. In a statement released on February 7, MAP highlighted the potential of the Mabuhay Lanes, particularly for motorcycles, to offer point-to-point travel and alleviate traffic on EDSA. These lanes serve as an alternative route connecting the northern and southern parts of the city, providing motorists with another option to navigate the metropolis.
MAP has called on the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to focus on clearing the Mabuhay Lanes of obstructions and illegal parking, rather than considering the removal of the EDSA Bus Carousel Line. The association argues that simply adding more lanes for private vehicles on EDSA would not solve the traffic issue, as these lanes tend to become congested quickly, a pattern observed in the past.
The group also expressed concerns about the proposed congestion fees for motorists, pointing out the lack of clear information and testing on this matter. MAP criticized the notion that a high-occupancy private vehicle could outperform a bus in terms of passenger capacity on the busway, calling it unrealistic.
Furthermore, MAP referenced the limited capacity of the MRT-3, which is designed to handle only 350,000 passengers, and warned against extending the train’s coaches due to potential risks to its superstructure and trackway. The association firmly stated that any discussion of dismantling the EDSA Carousel Line at this point would be ill-advised and contrary to the National Transport Policy of 2017, which emphasizes public transportation as a crucial mobility solution.
The MMDA had recently suggested closing the busway to create an additional lane for private cars during EDSA’s rehabilitation. However, MAP noted that the privatization of the EDSA Carousel Line is in its final stages, with public bidding expected in the second quarter of the year, supported by funding from the PPP Center and the World Bank.
MAP urged the government to maintain a unified stance on this critical public transportation project, emphasizing its importance. According to data from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the busway served over 63 million commuters last year, and currently benefits over 177,000 Filipinos daily.