Following a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize commuter mobility, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered bus operators to increase the number of units deployed along the EDSA Busway. This move aims to mitigate the impact of ongoing road rehabilitation works and ensure a smoother flow for the thousands of daily commuters using the thoroughfare.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, through Undersecretary Mark Steven Pastor, instructed bus operators to field additional units immediately to reduce waiting times. Complementing this effort, the MRT-3 has integrated Dalian Trains into its daily operations to increase passenger capacity, particularly during peak hours.
“The DOTr is deploying more bus units so our fellow citizens can get to their destinations faster,” Usec. Pastor stated. “We have also deployed Dalian Trains to the MRT-3 to expand the rail line’s carrying capacity further.”
To manage the traffic flow affected by construction, the DOTr-Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT) has mobilized 80 personnel. These officers are operating on a 24-hour shifting basis to assist the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) with traffic management and commuter assistance.
To ensure real-time response, SAICT personnel have been stationed at the MMDA Metrobase. This allows for centralized monitoring of the EDSA Busway, facilitating faster coordination and information relay regarding road conditions or operational bottlenecks.
Usec. Pastor also provided a positive update on infrastructure repairs. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has officially completed the road reblocking and asphalt overlay at the EDSA Buendia Station.
“According to the latest update from the DPWH, the overlay works are finished. We are restoring station access and replacing the barriers in the area, meaning the Buendia Busway Station is now back in service for the public,” Pastor confirmed.
The DOTr remains committed to working closely with partner agencies to balance necessary infrastructure upgrades with the immediate need for efficient public transportation.
