MMDA eyes removal of EDSA bus lane
MANILA, Philippines — The government is considering the removal of the EDSA busway once the carrying capacity of the Metro Rail Transit system is expanded and the MRT is interconnected, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority announced yesterday.?
MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said the removal of the EDSA Carousel was among the recommendations made during a meeting with President Marcos on the Comprehensive Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) at Malacañang on Tuesday.
“The DOTr (Department of Transportation) is currently expanding the carrying capacity of the MRT. I think, if I recall it right, an additional 30 percent capacity,” Artes told Palace reporters.
Asked when the public can expect the phaseout of the bus lane, Artes said, “Once the MRT can accommodate the passengers of the EDSA Carousel since it is repetitive, same line.”
Artes said there was also a proposal for the bus lane along EDSA to be used by high-occupancy vehicles.
“If there are three or four of you in a car, you may use the special lane,” he said.
The government is also eyeing collecting fees from private vehicles using EDSA.
“We understand that in other countries such as Singapore, they have congestion charges. This is to encourage the use of public transport,” Artes said.
Approved in November 2022, the CTMP is a five-year action plan to ease traffic congestion in the National Capital Region.
Present at the meeting were Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan and Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista.?
The EDSA busway remains the “most efficient” public transit system in Metro Manila, Transport Undersecretary Jesus Ferdinand Ortega said.
Remulla said the EDSA lane for bicycles would be repurposed into “two-wheel lanes” to include motorcycles.
This change aims to reduce accidents, he said, citing data showing that 70 percent of motorcycle mishaps in Metro Manila involve riders attempting to avoid traffic jams.
Artes said the government would start the rehabilitation of EDSA next month.
“Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the timetable and the preliminary traffic management plan are being made for the EDSA rehab,” Artes said.
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