The EDSA Busway saw ridership climb nearly six percent last year as modernization efforts transformed the dedicated lane into a preferred transit corridor for Metro Manila’s commuters, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Data from the DOTr showed that the EDSA Busway served 66.67 million passengers from January to December 2025, 3.02 million more than the 63.02 million recorded a year erilier. This translates to roughly 180,000 passengers benefitting from the busway daily.

December was the record-high in monthly ridership last year, logging 6.53 million commuters, coinciding with the holiday rush.

The single-day peak, meanwhile, was recorded in April, when the bus lane handled 321,186 passengers.

Since its launch in 2020, the EDSA Busway has accumulated 341.31 million passengers.

Spanning from Monumento in the north to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) in the south, an average of 500 buses have been plying the capital region’s main thoroughfare over 24 strategic stops.

By bringing efficiency to a highly disorganized transportation system, the DOTr said the busway continues to gain commuters’ trust, as reflected in its upward ridership momentum.

Previously, buses often competed for passengers along the busy highway, further congesting traffic and endangering commuters. But with an exclusive bus lane and dedicated stations, the commuting experience is now more seamless.

To maintain trust among commuters, Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the DOTr will continue modernizing the EDSA Busway to make it more accessible and convenient.

“We still have many improvements to implement, such as a more modern Kamuning Busway station, as well as three additional new busway stations this 2026 to ensure more convenient and faster travel for passengers,” said Lopez.

The DOTr plans to begin construction of the new stations in Cubao, Magallanes, and PITX in the first quarter, patterned after the renovated station at the front of SM North EDSA.

The stations in Cubao and Magallanes will feature a dedicated concourse away from the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), with well-lit, covered walkways, ramps, and elevators. Meanwhile, the PITX will have a standalone station outside the terminal, serving as the southern end station of the busway.

Also in the quarter, the DOTr will inaugurate the new Kamuning Station, replacing the infamous EDSA-Kamuning footbridge, also known as “Mt. Kamuning.”

As part of the EDSA rehabilitation, the busway will undergo intensive re-blocking and asphalt overlay work by segment to make the entire lane smoother for commuters.

Recently, the DOTr said it would rehabilitate and upgrade all stations on the EDSA Busway before turning it over to the private sector.