The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Monday said the EDSA Busway is undergoing a makeover to prioritize both security and accessibility, especially for elderly passengers and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The agency said busway stations at Monumento, Bagong Barrio, Balintawak, Philam and Guadalupe are being fitted with footbridges, elevators and CCTV cameras.
A total 166 new CCTV cameras will boost its operational capability and better monitor violators of busway regulations.
Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista also said the DOTr will expand the improvements to cover the entire 18 busway stations.
“This is all for the benefit of commuters and for the DOTr to attain its objectives. Accessibility means the facilities also cater to seniors and PWDs,” Bautista said in opening ceremonies at the Philam station.
He plans to seek an additional budget for the elevators and smart traffic surveillance system.
Improvements include construction of new stations Philam and Kamuning Stations in Quezon City; construction of pedestrian footbridges in Balintawak, Santolan, and Guadalupe stations; and rehabilitation of existing footbridges at Monumento, Bagong Barrio and Philam stations.
Facility improvements also include construction of PWD ramps, catch basins, storm drain pipes, as well as the provision of pressurized washers for the concrete barriers.
According to Bautista, the new facilities will also complement the EDSA Greenways Project, effectively making it an extension.
The EDSA Greenways Project aims to improve the pedestrian environment by building elevated pedestrian walkways along the busiest thoroughfare of Metro Manila, specifically in Balintawak and Cubao in Quezon City, Guadalupe in Makati City and Taft Avenue in Pasay City.
When completed, the EDSA Greenways Project will connect pedestrians and commuters to mass transit stations and help promote the use of public transports.
