MMDA says carpooling on Edsa Busway faces many issues, requires study
MANILA, Philippines — Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Don Artes has admitted that carpooling on the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (Edsa) Busway is associated with many issues, but said that the agency would still study General Manager Nicolas Torre III’s suggestion.
In a press conference on Friday, Artes noted that Torre was not the first to suggest carpooling on the EDSA Busway, adding that former General Manager Jojo Garcia floated the same idea in 2018.
READ: DOTr says EDSA Busway must remain exclusive to buses
“And in our study, many issues have emerged,” Artes said in Filipino.
“Number one issue: implementation. How do you determine if a vehicle is high-occupancy, especially if it is tinted? Will you require the windows to be rolled down? What if the passenger brings a house helper? Bodyguards? So, can the vehicle be allowed to pass through?” he said, speaking Filipino.
“The second issue, as I recall, is that the LTFRB [Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board] has reservations because of the difficulty in distinguishing colorum vehicles that charge passengers from those that are legitimately carpooling. This could be exploited and encourage illegal operations. We know that colorum vehicles are disadvantageous to commuters,” the MMDA chair noted.
Additionally, Artes emphasized that buses should be prioritized because they can carry up to 50 passengers.
READ: MMDA sets temporary road closures for MRT-7 girder installation
He also noted that the bus carousel is owned by the Department of Transportation (DOTr); thus, it has approval authority over any potential changes.
“Again, that is just a suggestion that needs to be studied and discussed, and if it is not feasible, the bus carousel will remain exclusive,” said Artes in Filipino.
On Friday, DOTr Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez released a statement emphasizing that the Edsa Busway should remain exclusive to buses and not be opened to private vehicles.
Lopez’s remark came after Torre said they are considering a proposal allowing high-occupancy vehicles other than buses to use the Edsa Busway. /jpv
