SM North EDSA Busway Concourse opens to the public

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and SM Prime Holdings Inc. officially opened the SM North EDSA Busway Concourse and its new station to the public on Thursday, March 13, 2025.

The project marks a significant step in enhancing the EDSA Busway system, providing improved access and convenience for thousands of commuters.

In his speech, DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon underscored the importance of reducing travel time for commuters who endure long hours on the road daily.

“Napakalaking bagay po ng oras. Ang malungkot, wala tayong oras ngayon—wala nang oras ang mga kababayan natin,” Dizon stated, highlighting the daily struggles of commuters caught in EDSA traffic.

(Time is extremely valuable. Unfortunately, we no longer have time—our fellow citizens no longer have time.)

He emphasized that the government’s commitment is to improve the transport system to allow people to reclaim time lost in traffic.

“Minsan, nakakalungkot, gigising ng alas kuwatro para makarating sa opisina ng alas otso, aalis ng alas singko, makakarating ng bahay nila alas nuwebe o alas diyes. Tulog na ang anak, pagod ang asawa, kakain mag-isa. At susunod na araw, uulitin na naman. Nakakalungkot,” he said.

(Sometimes, it is heartbreaking—waking up at four in the morning to reach the office by eight, leaving at five in the afternoon, and getting home at nine or ten at night. The children are asleep, the spouse is exhausted, and they eat alone. And the next day, you do it all over again. It is truly saddening.)

Dizon stressed the EDSA Busway provides a solution to this issue. The project is expected to help commuters regain valuable time with their families by reducing travel hours. This improvement in the transport system is said to be a crucial step towards enhancing the quality of life for daily commuters.

SM Prime Holdings President Jeffrey C. Lim also spoke at the event, reiterating the company’s dedication to infrastructure projects that enhance connectivity and accessibility in Metro Manila.

“By designating a dedicated median lane for buses, this initiative has significantly reduced travel time, eased congestion on major roads, and improved commuter safety,” Lim stated. He noted that the SM North EDSA Busway Concourse is now linked to SM City North EDSA and SM CyberWest, further integrating transport with commercial spaces.

“At SM Prime, we see infrastructure not just as buildings, but as a way to create spaces that genuinely serve people. That is why we have incorporated escalators, PWD lifts, and ramps, ensuring that no one, regardless of mobility, is left behind,” Lim explained.

He expressed gratitude to the engineers, planners, and workers who made the project possible. “Collaboration and dedication have made this station a reality, and it would not have been possible without the hard work of many individuals.”

Lim assured that this project is just the beginning of SM Prime’s long-term vision for a more connected and livable Metro Manila.

“The SM North EDSA Busway Station is the first in a series of SM Prime initiatives aimed at creating a more connected and livable Metro Manila. We will continue working alongside our government partners to develop and deliver high-impact infrastructure projects that enhance accessibility, efficiency, and overall quality of life,” he added.

The newly inaugurated SM North EDSA Busway Concourse is now open to the public and is expected to serve thousands of commuters daily, improving travel efficiency and providing a more convenient public transport experience in Metro Manila. —RF, GMA Integrated News