Business group proposes to privatize busway to meet global standards

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 26) – The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) proposed to privatize the EDSA busway system to upgrade its facilities for the purpose of meeting global standards.

MAP Infrastructure Committee Chair Eduardo Yap said that the busway system is “a work in progress” taking too long to complete, resulting in deficiencies causing congestion in bus stations.

“Because of the inadequate fiscal support being given to the busway, we believe that privatization will hasten the completion of the busway and in accordance with global standards,” Yap told CNN Philippines.

Yap, among the advocates of the new busway, said that the current system in place is not in conformity with international design standards.

He noted that the initial idea was to use the MRT stations as interim solution to address immediate concerns.

The business group chair pointed out that passenger congestion could not simply be solved by adding more buses.

“It’s not just a question of more buses. The stations must be adequate to accommodate buses. Otherwise [the buses] will just line up,” he argued.

Yap said that a letter has already been submitted to Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista containing a list of all necessary improvements to upgrade the system.