The Department of Transportation (DOTr) rejected on Wednesday, Feb, 5, any proposal to discontinue the operation of EDSA Busway amid proposals to remove it especially once the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) is upgraded.
In a statement, the DOTr stressed that the EDSA Busway proved to be and continues to one of the most efficient public road transport system in Metro Manila amid the daily problem of monstrous traffic jams especially along EDSA.
The DOTr statement came was issued as a response to the statement made by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) acting chairman Don Artes that there is a proposal during the comprehensive Metro Manila traffic plan meeting to remove the EDSA Busway.
Artes said that once the MRT-3 is upgraded through additional wagon that would pave the way for additional 30 percent riding capacity, the EDSA Busway may no longer be of use since its passengers can already be accommodated by the train system running along EDSA.
The discussions also said that it is more convenient to ride the MRT-3 than the buses along EDSA since the train system has more stations than the EDSA Busway.
But the DOTr said the EDSA Busway remains a reliable option for transport for millions of commuters.
In 2024, it said over 63 million commuters were recorded to have used the EDSA Busway.
And in January 2025 alone, the DOTr said the busway served more than 5.5 million passengers which translates to an average of 177,000 daily commuters.
“The EDSA busway is seen as a crucial step towards a progressive public transportation system with 23 stations operating 24/7, affording commuters a safe and reliable option for transport,” the DOTr said in a statement.
It added that a feasibility study is actually being conducted on how best to improve the EDSA Busway by tapping the private sector technical and financial expertise.
“The goal is to improve commuter experience without worsening existing traffic conditions,” it said.