Cheaper P2P buses back as option for MRT riders

The Department of Transportation has redeployed Point-To-Point (P2P) buses for commuters on Edsa, especially those who wish to avoid long lines at Metro Rail Transit (MRT 3) stations.

On Thursday morning, air-conditioned buses took turns waiting for riders at the MRT’s North Avenue and Quezon Avenue stations, taking them to Ortigas and Ayala stations for a reduced, fixed fare of P15.

The fare was P24 when the project was launched in November last year in time for the Christmas season. The project was stopped after the holidays, however, as few passengers took the buses.

The P2P fleet will again be using the lane designated for buses on Edsa and be escorted by members of the Highway Patrol Group and the Land Transportation Office.

But unlike last year when only two buses commissioned by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority were used, there will be 10 private buses—five each at North and Quezon Avenue stations—and two MMDA buses.

Also, the service will now be limited to the morning rush hour due to the lack of parking space for the buses  at Ayala and Taft Avenue stations. —DONA DOMINGUEZ CARGULLO, RADYO INQUIRER; JOVIC YEE