Transport advocate favors new EDSA bus system

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 1) – A transport advocate favored the new bus system implemented on EDSA to solve the traffic woes in Metro Manila’s main thoroughfare.

Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines National Affairs Committee Chairman Eduardo Yap believes it is the structural change that is needed in EDSA, perennially known for its horrendous traffic conditions.

“This is a structural change. This is bold. This is a game changer,” said Yap in an interview with CNN Philippines’ Rico Hizon.

Yap noted the three factors of engineering, education, and enforcement as the keys to implement the massive shift in the traffic situation at EDSA.

As Metro Manila transitions into general community quarantine starting today, the Department of Transportation allowed the resumption of bus operations on EDSA.

Although under the new system, only four places are designated loading and unloading areas for buses: North Avenue, Quezon Avenue, Ayala Avenue, and Taft Avenue. The drop-off and hop-in stations are located near the respective MRT-3 stations in these places.

Also under the new scheme, the two bus lanes on EDSA will be transferred from the rightmost side of the highway to the leftmost area.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is currently building island platforms in some parts of EDSA’s center island, which will serve as the loading and unloading stations for the buses.

Yap admitted this change will highly impact both the bus drivers and the passengers, while structural obstacles can have workable solutions.

Their group is also studying the possibility of a counter-flow traffic in EDSA that will enable passengers to use the right-sided door of the buses from the island platform.

“Busways are intended to solve the problems of the public buses. And they will flow freely. Then, commuters will benefit and bus operators will benefit as well,” mentioned Yap.

By June 22, the DOTr guidelines states it will allow more city buses, UV express vehicles, and jeepneys on Metro Manila’s major roads.

Yap suggested to implement congestion fees in EDSA and other major thoroughfares in Metro Manila to further ease the traffic congestion in these areas.