MMDA Floats Idea of Removing Bus Lane to Ease Traffic on EDSA

(SPOT.ph) The government is looking to free up more space on EDSA—and the way it's thinking of doing this is by scrapping the dedicated bus lane. Why? Officials are saying the system will become redundant once MRT-3 expands its capacity.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Don Artes said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is working to increase the MRT-3's train cars from three to four per set, which is expected to boost its daily capacity from 300,000 to 800,000 passengers.

With a higher train capacity, officials argue that the exclusive bus lane may no longer be necessary, as both systems follow the same route along EDSA.

“Ang suggestion po kahapon ay kung ma-accommodate din ng MRT ‘yung mga pasahero ng bus carousel since repetitive siya, same line. Kung magagawa po iyan, ma-free up po ‘yung isang lane,” Artes said. “Hindi dahil pinapaboran natin ang kotse, kung hindi for practical purposes. Kung kaya naman ng MRT, bakit ka pa magbu-bus?”

The proposal was discussed during a meeting with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on February 3, which focused on the Comprehensive Traffic Management Plan for Metro Manila and its neighboring provinces.

Also read: Steer Clear of the EDSA Bus Lane or Risk Getting a Minimum P5,000 Fine

What will happen to the EDSA Bus Lane?

Artes said that if the MRT can accommodate the current number of bus commuters, the EDSA Bus Lane might be repurposed for high-occupancy vehicles—or vehicles that carry multiple people.

“Kung tatlo o apat ang sakay mo, ikaw lang ang puwedeng gumamit ng special lane na ‘yun,” Artes said, adding that the idea is still a suggestion, so it will not proceed unless the MRT's carrying capacity is improved. 

Following this announcement, the DOTr acknowledged in a statement that “the EDSA busway continues to be one of the most efficient public road transport system in Metro Manila,” citing over 63 million people benefitted from this commute in 2024.

“Secretary Jaime J. Bautista is waiting for the result of the feasibility study on how best to improve the EDSA Busway tapping private sector technical and financial expertise. The goal is to improve commuter experience without worsening existing traffic conditions,” DOTr said.

In addition, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla told Teleradyo Serbisyo that bike lanes may also transform to accommodate motorcycles—a proposal that was strongly contested by active mobility groups when it was first raised in May 2024.

Currently, EDSA has two exclusive lanes: one beside the sidewalk for bicycles and another on the innermost lane for city buses, emergency vehicles, and authorized vehicles.

The EDSA Bus Lane was introduced by the DOTr and MMDA in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic as a response to the limited public transportation options and strict health protocols. The system replaced the chaotic bus routes, with 23 designated stops from Monumento in Caloocan City to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) in Paranaque City. It was initially free under the Libreng Sakay program, but later transitioned to a fare-based system.

Meanwhile, Artes said the rehabilitation for the full stretch of EDSA will continue as scheduled in 2025.

Also read: Full Stretch of EDSA Will Be Rehabilitated This Year—Here's What We Know So Far