The Department of Transportation (DOTr) confirmed on Friday that the EDSA Busway will remain dedicated to buses and will not be opened to private vehicles. In a radio interview, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista emphasized that the busway, which serves thousands of commuters daily, will not be removed but will undergo improvements through privatization of its operations and management (O&M).
“There were discussions, but the EDSA Busway will not be removed,” Bautista stated, adding that it will instead be enhanced with the involvement of the private sector.
Bautista’s remarks follow a recent meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other government officials to discuss the Comprehensive Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) for Metro Manila and nearby provinces. The meeting highlighted the need for a more efficient public transport system, a priority echoed by the President.
The EDSA Busway serves commuters along the busy EDSA corridor, from Caloocan City to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), offering an alternative to the MRT-3, which only operates from North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City.
In response to congestion concerns, Bautista also pointed out that point-to-point (P2P) buses and airport express buses have been allowed to use the EDSA Busway, further improving the flow of traffic along the thoroughfare.
The DOTr is moving forward with a feasibility study for the privatization of the EDSA Busway, which is expected to be completed in the coming months. Bautista hopes to award the O&M contract by the end of 2026, aiming to elevate the busway to international standards for passenger comfort and convenience.
