DOTr says EDSA busway ‘one of most efficient’ transpo systems amid shutdown plans 

Amid the plans to remove the EDSA busway, the Department of Transportation on Wednesday said it has been efficient in catering to millions of commuters in Metro Manila. 

“The Department of Transportation (DOTr) believes the EDSA busway continues to be one of the most efficient public road transport systems in Metro Manila,” the DOTr said in a statement. 

The department noted that the EDSA busway served over 63 million commuters in 2024. It added that in January 2025 alone, it catered to over 5.5 million passengers or an average of 177,000 daily commuters “who reached their destinations conveniently, safely, and quickly.” 

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said earlier in the day that the government is planning to remove the bus lane, unless the MRT’s carrying capacity does not improve. 

Also known as EDSA Carousel, the busway operates 24/7 and has 23 bus stops running along Caloocan City, Quezon City, Mandaluyong City, Makati City, Pasay City, and Paranaque City. 

The DOTr added that Transportation chief Jaime Bautista is waiting for the result of the feasibility study on how to improve the EDSA busway. 

“Today, Secretary Jaime J. Bautista is waiting for the result of the feasibility study on how best to improve the EDSA Busway tapping private sector technical and financial expertise. The goal is to improve commuter experience without worsening existing traffic conditions,” the department said. 

“Meanwhile, Sec. Bautista said the suggestion to open the bike lanes for mixed use with motorcycles should be studied further.” 

The MMDA also said that the rehabilitation of EDSA is expected to begin by March of this year. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BM, GMA Integrated News