MMDA chief defends ramp design at Edsa busway station: It’s not wrong

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)  Chair Don Artes —File photo from the MMDA

MANILA, Philippines —  The design of a ramp at the Philam station of the Edsa busway in Quezon City, which has been getting flak on social media, is not wrong, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes said on Thursday.

According to him, that is the only design that can be built using the limited space, height, and size of the area and considering height restrictions.

“If they say it’s wrong, this is not wrong. Given the limited space, height, and area size, this is only what we could provide,” Artes said in Filipino.

In a statement posted on its official Facebook page on Wednesday, the MMDA recognized that the design of the ramp at the Philam station of the Edsa busway was not ideal for people using wheelchairs.

“It is not a perfect design, especially for those e using wheelchairs, but this is still a big help for senior citizens, pregnant women, and other PWDs [persons with disabilities] instead of using the stairs,” the post said in Filipino.

It also said the ramp was built due to the limited space and that without it, the elevator could not be placed in the structure for the convenience of commuters.

The MMDA chief explained on Thursday that during deliberations on the project. after consultations with Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT 3), they were given height restrictions that the elevator could not be raised too high.

“The purpose will be defeated if there are two elevators and you will take the stairs in the middle,” Artes pointed out.

READ: 2 new Edsa busway stations open in QC

He likewise asserted that the ramp was not too elevated, dispelling the angle shown in the viral photo of the ramp that earned flak from netizens for not being PWD-friendly.

Nevertheless, Artes disclosed that the MMDA had contacted an architectural firm that would provide its services for free to inspect and suggest ways to improve the construction of the ramp to make it more accessible.

He also said that, although the ramp at the Philam station of the Edsa Busway has already been inaugurated, it would not be open to the public for now.

“Maybe we will do the improvements first before we open it,” he said.