Business group warns against removing EDSA bus lane

The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has cautioned the government against dismantling the EDSA Bus Carousel, urging instead the revitalization of existing Mabuhay Lanes.

In a statement, MAP called proposals to remove the dedicated bus lane “ill-advised,” arguing that adding another lane for private vehicles on EDSA would not ease congestion but merely attract more traffic.

“Any talk of possible dismantling of the EDSA Carousel Line at this stage would be ill-advised. It will be going against the National Transport Policy of 2017 where public transportation is given priority as a mobility solution mandating the DOTr and DPWH to implement and regulate it,” the group stated.

The policy assigns the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to oversee transportation networks, while the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is responsible for planning and maintaining national highways.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes earlier announced that the EDSA rehabilitation would begin in March, ahead of the Philippines’ hosting of the ASEAN Meetings next year.

While suggestions have been made to remove the EDSA bus lane, MAP warned this should not happen unless the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) significantly improves its carrying capacity.

However, the group noted that the MRT3’s design capacity was only 350,000 passengers daily, and adding more coaches could overload its superstructure and trackway, given the limited space for platform extensions.

Instead, MAP urged the government to clear the Mabuhay Lanes of traffic obstructions and illegal parking rather than considering dismantling the bus lane.

The group also highlighted that the privatization of the EDSA bus line was in its final preparation stages, with public bidding expected in the second quarter of the year under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center and the World Bank.

Furthermore, MAP urged the government to speak with one voice on this vital public transportation project.

Last week, the DOTr defended the EDSA Busway as “one of the most efficient public road transport systems in Metro Manila.”

In 2024, the bus lane served over 63 million passengers, with 5.5 million commuters using it in January 2025 alone—an average of 177,000 daily riders. — DVM, GMA Integrated News