DOTr, MMDA working on new city bus routes

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 28) — As Metro Manila prepares for the ban on provincial buses terminals on EDSA, the Transportation Department says arrangements are being readied for new city routes.

Speaking to CNN Philippines New Day Thursday, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary for Road Transport Mark de Leon said they are working with the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to ease the burden on commuters.

"We have been planning with MMDA for the operations of an interim terminal — interim terminals in Sta. Rosa and also in Valenzuela, because the permanent terminals, which is the ITX for FTI in south, in Taguig, and the one in north, in Bulacan will still take time," he said.

De Leon added the MMDA has given them a request for new routes, including an extension of city routes to the interim terminals.

Aside from this, new routes for buses and UV Express routes will be developed so these would all be interconnected.

When asked how soon these routes and terminals would be available, de Leon said no date was available yet.

There are 96 bus terminals in Metro Manila, 46 of them are located along EDSA - with many operating in the Cubao area.

The ban on provincaial bus terminals in the Metro is targeted to begin in June after it has been pushed back several times in the last two years.

MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia said they will conduct a dry run after Holy Week in April to prepare operators and commuters.

CNN Phillipines correspondent Makoi Popioco and senior digital producer Pia Garcia contributed to this report.