The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) recently launched two new stations along the EDSA Busway. On Monday, 15th July 2024, the EDSA-Philam and Kamuning stations — both located in Quezon City — were officially inaugurated.
Meanwhile, other existing stations were enhanced, plus a Smart Traffic Surveillance System was installed. As of today, there are now 23 pick-up and drop-off points along the Edsa Busway route.
New Stations Added to EDSA Busway Route
Aside from the launching of two new stations, other stations were enhanced, according to a report by the Philippine News Agency. These stations include Monumento, Bagong Barrio, Balintawak, Kaingin, Nepa Q-Mart, Quezon Avenue, Guadalupe, Santolan, Buendia, Ayala, Roosevelt, Roxas Boulevard, and Tramo.
Elevators were added to the EDSA-Philam, Monumento, Bagong Barrio, Balintawak, and Guadalupe stations. Moreover, the MMDA has built and installed a Smart Traffic Surveillance System on the EDSA Busway, funded by the DOTr.
Making Commuter Trips Faster and More Efficient
“The EDSA busway boasts of a smart traffic surveillance system where 166 CCTV cameras are installed; 21 with artificial intelligence or AI technologies, along the entire Busway route from Monumento to Roxas Boulevard — to monitor the time allowed for buses to load and unload passengers, as well as drivers’ violations intended to make commuter trips faster and more efficient,” stated MMDA acting chair Romando Artes.
Because of these initiatives, which are aligned with the Philippine Development Plan of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., Artes said that an increase in the average number of daily passengers on the EDSA Busway is expected.
“This project highlights that the government can develop and construct at par infrastructure through coordination and collaboration, underscoring our commitment to providing efficient, effective, and secure transportation systems and managing transport and traffic in the metropolis,” declared.
Providing Comfortable, Affordable, and Safe Travel
For his part, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista commented that the installation of elevators provides passengers with a “comfortable, affordable, safe, secure, and accessible travel experience.”
Regarding the project, Bautista shared that it includes the following: (a) rehabilitation of existing pedestrian footbridges at Monumento and Bagong Barrio stations; (b) construction of new pedestrian footbridges for Balintawak, Santolan, and Guadalupe stations; (c) construction of PWD ramps, catch basins, and storm drain pipes; and (d) provision of pressurized washer for the concrete barriers.
Notably, the EDSA Busway, which starts from Monumento to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange, was luanched in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. By reducing the end-to-end travel time on EDSA from three hours to just one and a half hours — the Busway provides faster, seamless travel for commuters.
Final Thoughts
Overcrowded passenger vehicles, bumper-to-bumper traffic… these are some of the problems faced by daily commuters along EDSA. Fortunately, the EDSA Busway has been a timely solution. Thanks to the addition of new stations and the latest enhancements, the Busway now offers better travel experiences for everyone!
In other news, the LTO is urging those who haven’t claimed their plastic printed driver’s licenses to contact the “AksyON THE SPOT” hotline for fast processing. Check out this article to read all about it!