The national government is considering the idea of removing the EDSA Busway and focus instead on the upgrade of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) to accommodate more passengers, an official said on Wednesday, Feb. 5.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) acting chairman Don Artes said the idea presented during a meeting for the comprehensive traffic plan in Metro Manila was that the increased passenger capacity of the MRT-3 would absorb bus passengers using the EDSA route.
“Currently, the MRT capacity is three wagon per trip. The DOTr (Department of Transportation) said that they will be expanding the carrying capacity of the MRT from three to four per trip, which means additional 30% capacity,” said Artes.
“There was also a suggestion to shorten the headway of from one train to another to accommodate passengers because the end goal is to accommodate Bus Carousel passengers,” he added.
If the MRT passenger capacity is increased, Artes said there might be no more need for EDSA Carousel as he described the route as repetitive since most of the EDSA Bus Way Stations are located near or under the MRT stations.
And if it would be done, Artes said the lane intended for EDSA Busway would be free up.
While there was a suggestion to remove the EDSA Busway, Artes said there was also a proposal to retain it and prioritize high-occupancy vehicles , or a private vehicle with at least three or four passengers.
This concept, he said, is being implemented in Los Angeles in the United States.
Upgrading the MRT capacity, Artes explained, requires expanding the existing station infrastructure to accommodate the fourth wagon.
Artes said the expansion of the MRT stations will also include interconnecting some of its stations to other mass transport systems like the Light Rail Transit 1 and 2.
Currently, MRT and LRT passengers have to walk and use several stairs whenever they would transfer from one train to another.
Artes said this is what the DOTr will be trying to address by pushing for efficient interconnectivity infrastructures among the train systems.