MANILA – The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has opposed the proposed closure of the EDSA Busway, advocating instead for the optimization of the Mabuhay Lanes to ease Metro Manila’s traffic.
In a Feb. 7 statement, MAP stressed the need to clear the Mabuhay Lanes of obstructions, particularly for motorcycles, which can help decongest EDSA. The group warned that converting the busway into an additional lane for private vehicles would not solve traffic woes, as past experiences show these lanes quickly fill up.
MAP also questioned the feasibility of congestion fees for motorists and raised concerns about overloading the MRT-3 if bus passengers are forced to shift to trains. The group argued that dismantling the EDSA Bus Carousel Line contradicts the National Transport Policy of 2017, which prioritizes public transit.
With the busway’s privatization process nearing the bidding stage, backed by the PPP Center and the World Bank, MAP urged the government to present a unified stance on the project.
According to the Department of Transportation, the busway served over 63 million commuters last year, benefiting around 177,000 Filipinos daily.
ia/mnm
