To: The Department of Transportation (DOTr), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the Government of the Philippines

We, the undersigned, strongly urge the Philippine government to maintain and improve the EDSA Busway, rather than phase it out or repurpose it for other vehicles.

The EDSA Busway has been one of the most effective solutions to Metro Manila’s traffic crisis, significantly cutting travel times for commuters. According to the DOTr, it allows passengers to travel from Monumento to PITX in just an hour, a drastic improvement from pre-pandemic travel times. Removing or modifying the Busway will force buses to mix with private vehicles again, leading to longer commutes, heavier traffic, and more frustration for millions of Filipinos.

Why Keeping the EDSA Busway Matters:

✅ Efficient Public Transport – The dedicated bus lane has helped thousands of commuters get to work, school, and home faster.

✅ Reduced Traffic Congestion – Without the bus lane, more commuters may resort to private vehicles, worsening gridlock.

✅ Safety and Order – A well-managed bus system ensures safer, more predictable travel compared to chaotic mixed lanes.

✅ Better Urban Mobility – Instead of removing the busway, the government should focus on improving bus services, terminals, and infrastructure to serve more people efficiently.

Better Alternatives to Removing the Busway

Instead of dismantling the EDSA Busway, the government should explore alternative solutions to ease congestion:

 1. Implement Congestion Pricing – Introduce a toll or congestion fee for private vehicles using EDSA during peak hours, similar to successful models in Singapore and London. This will help manage traffic volume and encourage people to take public transport.

 2. Expand Road Infrastructure – Focus on building alternative routes, flyovers, and expressways to divert private vehicles away from EDSA instead of taking space away from public transport.

 3. Strengthen Public Transport Systems – Invest in expanding the MRT, LRT, and bus networks so that people have more efficient commuting options.

 4. Improve Traffic Enforcement – Stricter enforcement of coding schemes, anti-counterflow policies, and no-parking zones on major roads can help reduce congestion.

Our Demand:

We call on the DOTr, MMDA, and the Philippine government to:

 1. Retain the EDSA Busway as an exclusive lane for public buses.

 2. Invest in improvements like better bus frequency, station facilities, and additional routes.

 3. Explore alternative congestion solutions instead of removing a system that benefits millions of Filipinos.

 4. Ensure coordination among government agencies to maintain and optimize the Busway instead of dismantling it.

The EDSA Busway is a vital part of Metro Manila’s transportation network. Removing it would be a huge step backward in the fight against traffic congestion. Let’s prioritize efficient, safe, and accessible public transportation for the majority of Filipinos.

Sign this petition to stand up for better commuting!

 

Photo from: Inquirer.net