Conceptual image of the EDSA Busway Concourse. (Photo from DOTr)
EDSA bus passengers will soon have the VIP feel while commuting even amid traffic jams after the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has signed an agreement with the SM Prime Holdings for the construction of a state-of-the-art facilities that will have access to the EDSA Busway.
Dubbed as the EDSA Busway Concourse, DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said it is part of the continuous improvement for the EDSA Busway to provide a convenient and safe urban transport infrastructure in Metro Manila.
"This concourse leading to the busway should be counted as a (corporate social responsibility) CSR initiative that addresses one of DOTr's goals—accessibility. We will be establishing a convenient access to the EDSA Busway - right in the middle of overlapping transport infrastructure projects," said Bautista.
The first of its kind, according to Bautista, will be constructed at the SM City North EDSA, a major transportation hub as it will be near the stations of the MRT-3 which is plying along EDSA and soon to be opened MRT-7 that traverses Commonwealth Avenue.
There will be similar facilities at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City and the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. The other one will be constructed by the Double Dragon at the corner of Macapagal Boulevard and EDSA.
DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista leads the groundbreaking ceremony of the construction of the EDSA Busway Concourse at the SM North EDSA in Quezon City on Feb. 13, 2024. With him are SM Prime President Jeffrey Lim, MMDA Acting Chairman Romando Artes and DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo. (photo: DOTr)
“The modern and sustainable walkways will facilitate movement between users and will connect them to commercial, business, leisure, and employment services within Metro Manila,” said Bautista.
“A major component of the EDSA Busway, the walkways are intended for the commuters using the EDSA Busway stations, and for pedestrians crossing EDSA from one side to the other,” he added.
Based on the project description, the EDSA Busway Concourse will feature a state-of-the-art architecture with a concierge, ticketing booth, and turnstiles for the Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS).
Ramps and elevators will also be available to provide accessibility for PWDs, senior citizens, and pregnant women.
He said the project aims to provide safe, accessible, convenient, and PWD-friendly walkways for commuters and pedestrians approaching the EDSA Busway stations and crossing EDSA from one side to another.
Bautista said the funding for the design and construction of the concourse will be shouldered completely by SM Prime Holdings “As such, we are not at liberty to share the exact figures pertaining to the project cost.”
The target completion, according to Bautista, is on July 31, 2024.