MMDA to help ease long lines in EDSA bus stations

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benhur Abalos Jr. on Monday said they are willing to assist the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in easing long lines and maintaining social distancing among commuters in Edsa bus carousel stations.

"We called the DOTr's attention on this situation on the buses because if ever, it will be easy for MMDA to assist," Abalos said, in mixed Filipino and English, during state media's televised Laging Handa briefing.

Last week, long lines formed at several Edsa bus carousel stations, with commuters at risk of transmission due to violation of social distancing.

Since it is the transportation department's mandate, Abalos also said the DOTr is making "several adjustments" on deployment of buses for commuters.

Meanwhile, Abalos claimed there is a faster travel time along Edsa after comparing figures before pandemic and during the health crisis.

Abalos was asked to react to President Rodrigo Duterte's statement that traffic congestion in Edsa, one of Metro Manila's main roads, was eradicated. 

"Lumalabas na travel time na dating 21% na northbound ay naging 25.4% na at yung 11 (percent) na takbo sa southbound, this is from Monumento to Roxas Boulevard, ay 31.76 (percent)," said Abalos.

(It shows that travel time in northbound from 21% to 25.4% and for southbound, which is from Monumento to Roxas Boulevard, from 11% to 31.76%.)

He also agreed to Duterte's claim that the traffic problem in Edsa was already solved due to the bus carousel, Light Rail Transit, and other infrastructure.—LDF, GMA News