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Express buses get underway on EDSA


 
In an effort to ease the problems commuters are facing whenever they take buses on EDSA, the Department of Transportation and Communications, Land Transportation Franchising & Regulatory Board, and Metro Manila Development Authority started on Monday the operation of the Express Connect Bus. 
 
The project initially involves 50 buses from different companies that promise fewer stops for commuters who are in a hurry. The express buses are only allowed to fetch and drop off passengers for 20 seconds per stop. Its dispatch terminal is in Fairview, Quezon City. 
 
 
Express 1 (E1) 
 
Southbound:
Fairview
Litex/Coa
Ortigas
Ayala Ave
Gil Puyat LRT 1
Roxas Blvd
 
Northbound:
Roxas Blvd
Gil Puyat
Ayala Ave
Megamall
Batasan
Fairview
 
Express 2 (E2) 
 
Southbound:
Fairview
Litex/Coa
Ayala Ave
Gil Puyat LRT 1
Roxas Blvd
 
Northbound:
Roxas Blvd
Gil Puyat
Ayala Ave
Batasan
Fairview
 
Express 3 (E3) 
 
Southbound:
Fairview
Litex/COA
Ayala MRT
Mall of Asia
 
Northbound:
Mall of Asia
Ayala MRT
Batasan
Fairview
 
In a report on GMA News TV's" Balitanghali" on Monday, the travel time on board an express bus is faster by more or less 30 minutes compared to an ordinary bus. Some passengers also said that riding this kind of bus is much more comfortable because it only allows 150 commuters on board. Its fare range is between P16 and P70, same as ordinary buses. 
 
"At least nakakaupo ka, nakakaidlip ka. Hindi siksikan at saka 'yung bus stop kaunti lang," a passenger told GMA News. 
 
LTFRB chairperson Atty. Winston Ginez also said that the express buses will be required to install GPS devices and CCTV within 30 days. It also offers free WiFi. 
 
Few passengers, fewer income 
 
 
However, some drivers of the express buses said that since they are only allowed to take a limited number of passengers, their income may be lower than the usual. 
 
During its first trip, a bus driver said he only got around P100 since he only had two passengers. Before, the same trip would already earn him around P1,000. 
 
To this, many bus drivers are asking to add more bus stops, especially in crowded areas. —Trisha Macas/NB, GMA News
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