EDSA Busway: Future Uncertain Amidst Government Disagreements
While other agencies want to scrap it, the Department of Transportation believes the EDSA busway continues to be one of the most efficient public road transport systems in Metro Manila.
Conflicting Views on the EDSA Bus Carousel
It seems like government agencies are heading in different directions when it comes to deciding the future of the EDSA bus carousel. Plans to dismantle the busway are being pushed forward by certain officials, yet others argue for its continued operation.
Artes and Remulla have announced a plan to discontinue the bus carousel once the MRT-3 can handle all the passengers currently reliant on the buses. Their objective is to reduce congestion on EDSA, a major artery in Metro Manila.
However, their claim that the bus carousel overlaps with the MRT-3’s route is inaccurate. The MRT-3 runs from North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City, covering 13 stations and operating on fixed hours.
EDSA Bus Carousel: A Longer Route
In contrast, the EDSA Bus Carousel operates a longer route, stretching from Monumento in Caloocan City to PITX in Parañaque City. It covers 23 stops and serves commuters 24/7, including late-night and early-morning hours when trains are not operational.
Beyond the removal of the carousel, Remulla also proposes the implementation of a congestion fee for four-wheeled vehicles on EDSA. According to him, this measure would encourage commuters to use public transportation instead.
Different Signal from the DOTr
Just hours after Abalos and Artes made their announcements, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) took to Facebook to defend the EDSA bus carousel. The agency highlighted the busway’s significant achievements and efficiency.
According to DOTr, the EDSA bus carousel transported over 63 million commuters in 2024, with January 2025 seeing a record 5.5 million passengers in just a month. On average, 177,000 passengers use the system daily.
“The Department of Transportation (DOTr) believes the EDSA busway continues to be one of the most efficient public road transport systems in Metro Manila,” the agency stated. “The goal is to improve commuter experience without worsening traffic conditions.”
DOTr’s Continuous Support
DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista clarified that the proposal to open bike lanes for mixed use with motorcycles requires further study. In 2023, the MMDA proposed converting bike lanes into shared lanes with motorcycles, citing underutilization. This sparked backlash from active transport groups.
In a separate post on Thursday, February 6, the DOTr emphasized how the bus system alleviates traffic on EDSA, with each bus carrying up to 54 passengers. The dedicated lane enhances safety and reduces travel time, making trips from Monumento to PITX take just 1 to 1.5 hours, compared to the usual 3 hours.
Based on the transportation agency’s recent posts, it appears that scrapping the EDSA busway is not on the immediate agenda. In fact, the DOTr had previously announced that bidding for the EDSA bus carousel would begin in 2025.
Conclusion
The future of the EDSA busway remains uncertain, with different agencies sending mixed signals. While some support its dismantling to alleviate traffic, others argue for maintaining it as a crucial component of public transportation in Metro Manila. The DOTr’s strong stance on the busway’s efficiency and its role in improving traffic conditions adds to the debate.
The conflicting views highlight the complexities surrounding urban transportation planning and the need for a comprehensive strategy that balances multiple transportation modes.
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What Do You Think?
What are your thoughts on the future of the EDSA busway? Should it be scrapped, or do you believe it serves an important role in Metro Manila’s transportation infrastructure? Share your views in the comments below.
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