DOTr to take over EDSA Busway operations in 2027—Dizon

Commuters take their rides at the newly opened northbound EDSA Busway stop at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City on October 1, 2025. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will take over the operations of the EDSA Busway, including the maintenance of its footbridges, starting 2027, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said Friday.

Dizon said the move aims to ensure sufficient funding for the maintenance of busway facilities and prevent delays in repairs, following complaints about non-operational elevators and faulty lights along the overpass.

“So ang sabi ko, next year sa 2027, ang buong busway operation, DOTr na magpapatakbo. Iyon na ‘yung sasabihin ko sa MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority), pati ‘yung pag-maintain ng footbridges sa DOTr na lang para wala nang turuan and kami na ang magsisigurado ng budget kasi minsan walang budget,” Dizon said.

Dizon said the DOTr added 50 buses to the EDSA Busway fleet, bringing the total to around 400, in preparation for increased commuter demand during the holiday season.

The agency plans to add another 50 buses by December, bringing the total to around 450.

This, following a complaint from 66-year-old commuter Victoria Chan, who approached Dizon during his visit to the Guadalupe Busway station on Nov. 2 to raise concerns about the non-operational elevators.

“May nakausap tayong commuter na lola na senior last time. Nandito tayo noong binuksan itong Guadalupe busway [station] two weeks ago at nagreklamo nga siya. Hindi ko alam na hindi pala gumagana ito. So ngayon, gumagana na,” Dizon said.

The transportation chief said six previously non-operational elevators were being addressed, including those at the Guadalupe, Phil-Am, and Kamuning stations. 

He expressed hope that the remaining repairs would be completed within two weeks.

Dizon said the repairs had been delayed for about four months due to a lack of funds from the MMDA and the DOTr.

He also blamed the theft of elevator cables for some of the facilities’ damage, saying the agency would strengthen security to prevent similar incidents.

Dizon cited garbage being thrown on top of elevators as another possible factor contributing to their damage, explaining that the additional weight affects the elevators’ sensors.

Meanwhile, the DOTr is looking into complaints about non-functioning lights along the overpass, which commuters say make the area unsafe, particularly at night and during early morning hours.