The interim operation of the EDSA Busway has started on Wednesday amid limited public transportation in Metro Manila brought about by the implementation of the general community quarantine.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the EDSA Busway will greatly help the operations of MRT-3 and the bus augmentation program of the department.
“Ngayon mayroon na tayong dedicated lines kaya ‘di hamak na mas mabilis na ang byahe nila. Inaabot na lang ng 45 minutes to 1 hour (We now have dedicated lanes so travel time is faster now. It only takes 45 minutes to 1 hour),” DOTr ASec. Goddess Libiran said.
The EDSA Busway covers the bus stop in Monumento until PITX. Around 150 buses will be deployed for its initial operation, and may be increased to more than 500 once it becomes fully operational. Traffic enforces will be deployed in the Busway to ensure safety of commuters. The placement of concrete barriers in Busways is expected to be completed next month or in September. The LTFRB on Thursday will also assign mini loop routes from Timog Ave. to Santolan.
“Ang commitment sa amin ng aming contractor magsisimula ‘yong delivery ng 36,000 concrete barrier starting next week, July 2 to 7 (The contractor’s commitment is that the delivery of 36,000 concrete barriers will start next week, July 2 to 7),” Libiran disclosed.
– Report from Bea Bernardo
