MMDA cites more riders taking Edsa express bus

Two weeks since their launch, the 20 holiday express buses on Edsa have more riders following a cut in fare rates.

From 10 riders, each bus now averages more than 30 passengers per trip, based on the monitoring of the transportation department, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Emerson Carlos said in an interview Thursday.

According to Carlos, the increase in ridership may be due to reduced fares. From P80, the fare from Trinoma to Park Square in Makati City is now P60; the ride from SM Megamall to Park Square now costs P40 instead of P50; while the SM North Edsa to Glorietta 5 in Makati City trip now charges P64 per passenger, down from P80.

The MMDA and Department of Transportation and Communications, however, are urging more people to patronize the express buses which make just two stops: at the pick-up point and the end destination.

“The operation of the express buses starts around 6 a.m. with trips every 30 minutes. The last trip is around 10 p.m. in both directions,” the DOTC said, adding that the service will be available until Jan. 6.

The two agencies have turned to social media to promote the express buses. Facebook user Kons Koh, who posted his experience on taking the bus service, said that it was a great alternative for private car owners from Quezon City, Caloocan, Malabon and Navotas.

“The bus units are new, with clean interiors and very good air con (and not the air-kunwari type). With the fare at P60, the savings in time, promptness of schedule and the comfortable ride was definitely worth it,” Koh said.