The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has issued two key directives for EDSA Busway operators: full cashless fare payment options by December this year, and compliance with left-side bus door standards within six months, with no further extensions granted.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez confirmed the orders, noting the cashless system—officially the Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS)—will make payments faster and more convenient for commuters. Options under consideration include stored-value cards similar to those used on Metro Manila railways, plus widely used e-wallets such as GCash. Secretary Lopez emphasized the system must work across different platforms, with top-up kiosks available at all Busway stations. A pilot test will first be carried out to verify how well the system functions before full rollout, following the successful implementation of similar systems already in place on LRT-2 and MRT-3. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has been tasked to monitor and ensure operators meet the end-of-year deadline.
For the second requirement, bus firms have six months to install or use buses with doors on the left side, a safety measure aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s goal of improving daily commuter experience along the busy corridor. Currently, many buses use right-side doors, which create hazards and slow down boarding and alighting at Busway stations. Secretary Lopez made clear that no extensions will be given, stressing that compliance is non-negotiable to keep passengers safe and streamline operations across the EDSA Busway network.
