Edsa ‘express buses’ WiFi-ready, exempt from coding

MANILA, Philippines—The Edsa “express buses” which will start operating in March will not only be faster, they will also be more high-tech and enjoy more “privileges,” including exemption from the number coding scheme.

This was revealed during a meeting on Monday between Metro Manila bus operators and transport agencies led by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Under the project, around 50 buses will be allowed to ply the busy thoroughfare with just four stops at the most from terminals to destination.

On their initial run, the buses will ply the following routes: From Fairview, Quezon City, to Ortigas, Pasig; Fairview to Ayala, Makati City, and Fairview to SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. Depending on their seat occupancy, the express buses are allowed to stop only in the Batasan/Sandigan area and the Ayala MRT.

But the buses should offer not only a faster ride but also more convenience and comfort for passengers. A DOTC presentation during Monday’s meeting showed that the buses should be air-conditioned and not older than 2010 models, offer clean and comfortable seating and have security cameras installed. They should also be equipped with GPS (global positioning system) and Wi-Fi connections.

According to LTFRB chair Winston Ginez, the express buses would be issued special permits as the DOTC explained that they would be exempted from the number coding and would be allowed to use the so-called “mixed lanes” and underpasses on Edsa.

The DOTC is targeting 20 percent of buses in Metro Manila for inclusion in the express system.

Robert Siy, a senior adviser to the DOTC undersecretary for planning, said the scheme hopes to persuade car users to use public transport and thus reduce vehicle volume on Metro roads.

Siy ran down the numbers: 1.5 million people commute by rail, 2.4 million by bus, 6.8 million by jeepneys and AUVs, and 2.9 million by car.