MMDA to start implementing new bus system on EDSA

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said yesterday that the single-file system for public utility buses (PUBs) will finally be implemented on EDSA any day this week.

MMDA traffic chief, Angelito Vergel de Dios explained that this system will "control" the loading and unloading of passengers and give equal chances to all PUBs.

It is a feature of the MMDA’s Organized EDSA Bus Route (OBR), or single dispatch system, aimed at making traffic on the highway move faster.

Under the OBR, PUBs will be dispatched from the eight terminals located in different parts of Metro Manila depending on the volume of waiting passengers.

The PUBs will be issued numbers to prevent them from overtaking each other on the yellow lane, which is for their exclusive use.

PUBs will be given 20 seconds each to drop and pick up passengers in loading and unloading zones. But this will also be flexible depending on the volume of passengers and time of the day. Interval timers were earlier installed on bus stops.

MMDA Chair Bayani Fernando said over radio station dzBB that this will be initially implemented in areas where there are many waiting passengers like Cubao in Quezon City and SM Megamall in Ortigas.

"Ito ay para huwag nang mag-buwaya at magbabad ang mga bus sa daan (This is to prevent buses from staying too long on the street)," Fernando said.

Bus drivers and operators have initially expressed apprehension over the scheme, saying it might drastically cut their income.

"Huwag po muna nating husgahan agad ang sistema. Kapag ito ay pangit, babaguhin naman natin (Let us not judge the system. If it’s not good, we will change it)," Fernando appealed to bus drivers and operators yesterday.