Commuters line up to board a bus at the EDSA-Cubao Station of the EDSA Busway in this undated photo. On Thursday (Feb. 6, 2025), the Department of Transportation said it sees no reason to close down the busway due to its efficiency in serving an average of 177,000 passengers daily. (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) executive assistant to the office of the secretary, Jonathan Gesmundo, on Thursday dismissed speculations the department will close the EDSA Busway due to its efficiency and the sheer number of passengers it serves.
Gesmundo told Radyo Pilipinas that the EDSA Busway served some 62 million passengers in 2024, including 5.5 million last month.
“Mine-maintain na ma-preserve itong busway na daanan na mabilis ng public transport… Napaka-effective (We want to preserve the busway because it’s a very fast thoroughfare for public transport… It is very effective),” Gesmundo said.
On Wednesday, DOTr secretary Jaime Bautista cited the busway as the “most efficient public road transport system in Metro Manila.”
He said the private sector is even conducting a feasibility study on how best to improve the EDSA busway.
“The goal is to improve commuter experience without worsening existing traffic conditions,” Bautista added.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Romando Artes had previously said the closure of the EDSA Busway is being considered as part of a proposal to improve the MRT-3 system.
