150 buses deployed on 1st day of EDSA Busway operations

MANILA: The EDSA Busway begins interim operations today, 01 July 2020.

After two inspections by officials of the DOTr (Department of Transportation), LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board), and the MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) in the last three days, the EDSA Busway aims to cut travel time from Monumento to PITX from close to 3 hours to just a maximum of 1 hour.

550 bus units have been authorized to service the EDSA Busway but operators will initially deploy 150 bus units today. This will add to the existing buses plying EDSA under the MRT-3 Bus Augmentation Program.

There will be no fare increase implemented.

From Monumento to Quezon Avenue, the following bus stops for loading/unloading passenger will temporarily be located curbside:

• Bagong Barrio
• LRT Balintawak
• Kaingin Road
• LRT Muñoz Station
• MRT North Avenue Station (Southbound-Loading only, Northbound-Unloading Only)
• MRT Quezon Avenue Station (Southbound-Loading only, Northbound-Unloading Only)

After Quezon Avenue and until Estrella, buses will shift to the median lanes with the partial operability of the busway section.

Past Estrella, buses will go back curbside to pick-up and/or unload passengers at the following stops from Buendia to the PITX:

• Buendia
• Ayala (Southbound-Unloading Only, Northbound-Loading and Unloading)
• Magallanes
• Evangelista/Malibay
• Taft Avenue (Southbound-Unloading Only, Northbound-Loading Only)
• Roxas Boulevard
• Macapagal Avenue
• SM Mall of Asia
• PITX

The curbside bus stops will only be there until the median lane stops are completed (installation of lighting, fences, and canopies) and when concrete barriers are put in place.

36,000 concrete barriers have already been procured by the DOTr for this purpose. Delivery will start 02 to 07 July and installation is expected to be finished between August and September 2020.

Meanwhile, the LTFRB will launch a mini-loop route from Timog Avenue to Santolan starting tomorrow, 02 July. It will be serviced by shuttles or mini buses and shall be allowed to pick up and drop off passengers at designated curbside stops.

Also read: DOTr inspects EDSA Busway, launches mini-loop routes today

Photo courtesy of the DOTr