Biz group opposes move to allow private cars on Edsa Busway

MANILA — A business group opposes the government’s move to allow private vehicles on the EDSA Busway.

In a statement, the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) said “high-volume vehicles” like school buses and point-to-point buses may be allowed.

“If regulators can adequately enforce it, car pools with a minimum of 4 passengers can be allowed during certain hours to coincide with school hours,” MAP said.

But the group emphasized that the government must put more buses along the busway first.

“The headway between buses must be reduced and the missing bus stations built to encourage commuters to use them. There are still many missing stations, such as in Roosevelt, Cubao, Rockwell, Ayala, Magallanes, Malibay, Pasay to PITX, that need to be built,” MAP said.

The group also urged Congress to restore the 2027 budget for the EDSA Busway system. 

Malacañang’s National Expenditure Program for 2027 didn’t set aside a budget for the busway system in 2027, but the House of Representatives Budget Amendments and Review Subcommittee (BARSc) has approved a proposed additional P2.349 billion for various programs and projects of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), including the EDSA Busway project. 

“Dedicated bus roadway and only regulated buses with high-volume capacity are the design imperatives for the Busway. The policy should be to move passengers, not vehicles,” the MAP said.