MMDA opposes removal of EDSA bus carousel

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Monday opposed calls to remove the EDSA bus carousel.

MMDA chairperson Romando Artes pointed out that the government already spent a lot of money for EDSA bus carousel and that the current system is very effective in speeding up the travel of commuters.

“Unang-una, hindi po kami nag-aagree. Pangalawa, malaki na po ang nagastos ng pamahalaan para ma-develop iyong busway. Pangatlo, napaka-effective ng bus carousel. From three hours na biyahe end to end Caloocan to MOA and MOA to Caloocan, ngayon isang oras at kalahati,” he said in a press conference.

(First, we don’t agree. Second, the government spent a lot of money to develop the bus way. Third, the bus carousel is very effective. From three hours of travel from MOA to Caloocan, it is now only one and a half.)

In July, operators of buses in Metro Manila appealed to allow them to return to the routes where they were plying prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The operators said buses should be able to ply more routes to increase their drivers' income.

"Before nabigay sa amin 'yung mga GCQ [general community quarantine] routes, lahat kami we already started with refleeting dahil sa transport modernization program ..In-acquire namin 'yung mga buses na 'yun. Malalaki 'yung loans na 'yun tapos naiba 'yung routes," Sheila Albero, president of Mega Manila Consortium, said.

In March 2020, the government closed the public transport system in a bid to prevent the COVID-19 spread.

As the lockdown eased through the months, several buses were designated to various routes, including in avenues that made them compete with the jeepneys.

City and provincial buses were also prevented from traversing EDSA. In their place, the government started the bus carousel along EDSA that then gave free rides to the public.

The operators expressed hope they could retake their old routes, including EDSA.

From more than 3,000 city buses traveling along EDSA, a little over 500 are left under the bus carousel service.—LDF, GMA Integrated News