MMDA: Express passenger buses on EDSA by March

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in partnership with the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) will  launch next month an “express passenger bus system” along EDSA.

MMDA Assistant General Manager for Operations Emerson Carlos said the system will help decongest traffic along EDSA as motorists can now take the express bus system instead of driving their cars.

"Our main reason is to entice the public not to use private cars but instead take public utility vehicle," he said.

Carlos said the number of vehicles plying major thoroughfares would be lessened.

Under the system, a fleet of buses will travel from one point to another without stopping at bus stops along the way.

Carlos said under the system, express buses would travel from the Makati Central Business District and The Fort Global in Taguig City going to North Avenue in Quezon City through EDSA without any stop overs.

"In order for us to lure office workers in Makati City not to use their private cars, they need comfortable public transport," he said.

Carlos said the system would be using buses with existing franchises. The franchises will be just amended by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

"We will not be adding buses because we will be using public utility buses with existing franchises," he said.

In terms of the fare, Carlos said the express buses would be charging a special rate since they are considered as premium buses.

"Naturally, there will be fare adjustments," said Carlos.