Leading business executives in the Philippines are urging the government to prioritize public transportation and caution against dismantling the EDSA Bus Carousel. The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) argues that removing the bus lane would contradict national policy and undermines the effectiveness of this vital public transportation system.
Leading business executives in the Philippines are urging the government to prioritize public transportation , expressing concern over plans to dismantle the EDSA Bus Carousel. The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) issued a statement on February 9, cautioning against scrapping the bus lane, arguing that it would contradict the National Transport Policy of 2017, which emphasizes public transportation as the preferred mobility solution.
The MAP stressed the importance of a unified message from government agencies regarding this crucial public transportation project. While the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) have discussed the possibility of removing the bus lane to accommodate high-occupancy vehicles, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista has stated that the EDSA Carousel will remain operational for the foreseeable future. The MAP questioned the practicality of allowing private vehicles with three to four passengers to use the bus lane, arguing that they could not match the capacity of a full bus. Furthermore, the organization expressed reservations about congestion fees being imposed on EDSA, pointing out that such measures have not been adequately explained or tested. The EDSA Bus Carousel has proven its effectiveness, serving over 63 million commuters in 2024. In January 2025 alone, it transported 5.5 million passengers, with approximately 177,000 people utilizing the busway daily. The MMDA's justification for removing the bus lane is that it overlaps with the MRT-3 route, suggesting that once the railway can accommodate all bus passengers, the busway can be discontinued. However, the two transportation systems do not serve the same stations, and the busway operates 24/7, while the MRT-3 has limited operating hours. The MAP also highlighted the lack of space on the MRT-3 platform for coach extensions, suggesting that the government explore alternative solutions, such as fully utilizing the Mabuhay Lanes as routes for motorcycles to alleviate EDSA traffic.The organization noted that the privatization of the EDSA Carousel Line is currently underway, with public bidding anticipated in the second quarter of 2025. The DOTr is finalizing the terms of reference for the busway's concession and has engaged the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for the project. They are also expecting to sign a technical transaction advisory agreement with the IFC. Secretary Bautista has indicated a high level of interest from companies eager to participate in the bidding process for the EDSA busway.
EDSA Bus Carousel Public Transportation National Transport Policy Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Management Association Of The Philippines Congestion Fees
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