Biz group warns vs. EDSA busway closure, bats for better Mabuhay Lanes

(INQUIRER PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE)

MANILA – The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has strongly opposed the proposed closure of the EDSA busway, urging instead the enhancement and full utilization of the Mabuhay Lanes to help ease Metro Manila’s traffic congestion.

The group, in a Feb. 7 statement, emphasized the need to fully optimize the existing Mabuhay Lanes, especially for motorcycles, noting their ability to travel “point to point,” which can significantly reduce traffic congestion along EDSA.

Mabuhay Lanes are a network of roads that connect the northern and southern parts of Metro Manila, providing an alternative route for motorists to travel through the metropolis, aside from EDSA.

The group urged the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to prioritize clearing the Mabuhay Lanes of traffic obstructions and illegal parking, rather than dismantling the EDSA Bus Carousel Line.

MAP argued that adding more lanes for private vehicles on EDSA would not effectively address traffic problems, citing the tendency for these lanes to quickly fill up with traffic, based on past experience.

The group also raised concerns over the lack of clarity and testing regarding proposed congestion fees for motorists.

“To think that a private vehicle with high occupancy on the Busway can outload a bus in terms of occupancy is simply unrealistic,” MAP said.

MAP also referenced the limited design capacity of the MRT-3, which is set to carry only 350,000 passengers, and warned that extending the train’s coaches could potentially overload its superstructure and trackway.

“Any talk of possible dismantling of the EDSA Carousel Line at this stage would be ill advised,” the group said, adding that it would run counter to the National Transport Policy of 2017, which prioritizes public transportation as a key mobility solution.

The policy mandates the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to implement and regulate public transit systems.

The MMDA recently floated the idea of closing the busway to open another lane for private cars once EDSA undergoes rehabilitation.

Likewise, MAP pointed out that the privatization process for the EDSA Carousel Line is currently nearing the final stages of preparation for a public bidding, backed by funding from the PPP Center and the World Bank.

Bidding is expected to take place in the second quarter of this year, it said.

“The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) cautions the government with speaking with one voice on this vital public transportation project,” the group said.

According to DOTr data, over 63 million commuters enjoyed the busway services last year, and to date over 177,000 Filipinos benefit from the project daily.