Knocking down of some center islands along EDSA has become more noticeable as preparations for the construction of new loading and unloading bays continues in line with the plan to put up a single route for buses on the two inner lanes of EDSA.
“This is not about traffic management per se, this is the reconfiguration of EDSA as a whole,” MMDA Traffic Chief Bong Nebrija said.
In Phase 1 of “modified EDSA,” seven stations of the MRT and LRT are initially eyed as bus bays. Buses will enter the center isle to prevent blocking of traffic, while commuters are lined up on stairs awaiting to board buses. Footbridges will also be eventually utilized and converted as bus stops. Boarding and dropping off anywhere in EDSA will not also be tolerated in the new normal.
Nebrija said they have “prepared for this for the longest period of time.”
Meanwhile, the modified number coding scheme shall be imposed starting June 1. Coded vehicles will be allowed to travel on major roads if they have at least one passenger. Medical frontline workers have been given the privilege to use their private vehicles any day without being apprehended. – Report from Mica Joson
