MMDA, DOTr inaugurate improved EDSA busway station

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and Department of Transportation yesterday inaugurated the “new and improved EDSA busway stations and Smart Traffic Surveillance System.”

The two newly constructed EDSA busway stations are located at EDSA-Philam and Kamuning Stations in Quezon City.

MMDA chief Romando Artes said “enhancements” were also done in other existing stations in Guadalupe, Santolan, Balintawak, Bagong Barrio, Monumento, Ayala, Buendia, Kaingin, Nepa Q-Mart, Quezon Avenue, Roosevelt, Roxas Boulevard, and Tramo.

“The EDSA-Philam station features elevators or manlifters to provide accessibility and convenience to passengers, especially senior citizens and persons with disabilities,” Artes said during the inauguration, adding that four other footbridges, particularly stations in Monumento, Bagong Barrio, Balintawak, Guadalupe, “have three elevators or manlifters each to encourage more passengers to ride the EDSA Busway.”

To ensure the safety and security of the passengers, the MMDA constructed and installed a Smart Traffic Surveillance System at the Busway with the funding provided by the DOTr.

“The EDSA busway boasts of a smart traffic surveillance system where 166 CCTV cameras are installed, 21 with artificial intelligence or AI technologies, along the entire Busway route from Monumento to Roxas Boulevard, to monitor the time allowed for buses to load and unload passengers as well as drivers’ violations intended to make commuter trips faster and more efficient,” said Artes.

With these improvements, Artes said they expect an increase in the number of daily passengers of the busway system.

“This project highlights that the government can develop and construct at-par infrastructure through coordination and collaboration, underscoring our commitment to providing efficient, effective, and secure transportation systems and managing transport and traffic in the metropolis,” the MMDA chief added.

Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista said the installation of man lifters is aimed at reaching the department’s objective to provide a comfortable, affordable, safe, and secure, accessible travel experience to passengers, especially to senior citizens, and