EDSA busway modernization to begin alongside road rehab

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will start its major modernization effort to improve the EDSA bus carousel during the rehabilitation of Metro Manila’s main thoroughfare.

DOTr is planning to build dedicated concourses, away from Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3, to serve as bus stations along the carousel’s soon-to-be 25 stops.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon earlier observed that the queue of passengers tends to congest since the bus stops and MRT-3 stations are typically connected.

Dizon told reporters that these dedicated hubs will be patterned from the busway concourse constructed and donated to the government by SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPHI), located at the front of SM North EDSA.

During the concourse inauguration, SMPHI President Jeffrey Lim said the concourse serves as the company’s commitment to ease the commuter experience.

The new facility features well-lit and covered walkways, with ramps and elevators that ensure accessibility for all commuters, particularly senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Even if the mall is already closed for the day, it will serve commuters 24/7.

According to Dizon, the concourse at the front of SM Megamall is currently under construction. This will be the 25th station of the EDSA Carousel.

There is also an initiative to build a similar structure at SM Mall of Asia—the 26th station—but this is still on the pipeline.

While plans are not yet set in stone, DOTr and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) are looking into starting its modernization effort on the EDSA bus carousel as early as April.

This would be alongside the planned start of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) of the major overhaul of EDSA.

“Kami ni Chairman Don [Artes], sasabayan na namin. Habang ginagawa ng DPWH ‘yung kalye, sasabay na kami dito sa gitna,” said Dizon while alongside the MMDA head. 

“So, magtutulungan kami with MMDA, para gagayahin na rin lang ito. Bakit pa tayo mag-iisip? Kinakita na ng SM sa atin kung anong maganda. So, gagayahin na rin,” he added, referring to the bus concourse at SM North EDSA.

The Transportation Secretary noted that DPWH is set to rehabilitate the capital region’s primary thoroughfare in preparation for next year’s hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.

While he is mum about details, Dizon emphasized that this landmark effort will prioritize the welfare of commuters.

However, one thing remains certain with these developments: brace for intense traffic.

“May epekto yan sa traffic, sinasabi na namin ngayon. Pero ang kagandahan naman non, ‘pag naayos ito, ang laking ginhawa,” said Dizon.

“Wala tayong choice, kailangan natin gawin. Mas mabuting gawin na natin ngayon kaysa wala tayong gagawin. Mas mabuting mapaganda na natin ngayon kaysa wala tayong gagawin,” he explained.

DOTr, other government agencies, and local government units (LGUs) are currently finalizing plans related to the EDSA rehabilitation project.