DOTr Eyes New Bus Lanes Along C-5, Quezon Avenue, and Ortigas

(SPOT.ph) The EDSA Carousel has made commuting along Metro Manila's busiest highway a little easier, but what about the other roads where buses still have to sit through traffic? The government is now considering bus lanes on not one, not two, but three more major roads in Metro Manila.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced on October 8 that it is studying new plans for bus lanes along C-5, Quezon Avenue, and Ortigas–Aurora Boulevard. Together, the proposed routes would span nearly 102 kilometers, with 215 bus stops (!!!).

There's no timeline for this project just yet, but the DOTr has completed an initial study of the three corridors using a World Bank grant. It has also identified a foreign partner willing to fund a more detailed feasibility study, with the grant terms still being finalized.

Also read: From Monumento to PITX: Your Ultimate Guide to the EDSA Carousel

According to DOTr Undersecretary for Roads Mark Steven Pastor, the government has identified three corridors for the proposed busways.

The longest would be along C-5, stretching 45.6 kilometers with 88 bus stops. This could benefit commuters traveling through Quezon City, Pasig City, and Taguig City, who are all too familiar with the traffic along this busy road. Last January, the DOTr had already identified Katipunan Avenue, which forms part of C-5, as a possible busway location because it was expected to have fewer right-of-way issues.

Over at Quezon Avenue, the proposed busway would cover 26.24 kilometers with 62 stops. The idea has actually been around for a while. Former DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon had previously discussed plans for an España–Quezon Avenue busway in June 2025, citing the lack of bus services for students traveling to and from the University Belt.

The third busway would cover Ortigas–Aurora Boulevard, stretching 30.5 kilometers with 65 stops, giving commuters another way to travel between the eastern and western parts of Metro Manila.

For now, the exact routes and locations of the bus stops have yet to be announced.

One thing the DOTr wants to improve is accessibility. Pastor told reporters that some sections have wider sidewalks, which could make room for elevators or platform lifts for persons with disabilities.

“We hope that it's more improved. Dedicated lane pa rin siya, but more catering now to kumbaga mas PWD-friendly na dapat siya as compared doon sa EDSA Busway because we had to work out on the existing configuration sa EDSA,” Pastor said. “At least dito sa corridors na nabanggit ko, may mga portions dito na may maluwag na bangketa na maaari nating lagyan ng lift or elevators and so on and so forth.”

For context, the DOTr is still working on improvements to the existing EDSA Busway. Four rehabilitated stations—Monumento, Bagong Barrio, Guadalupe, and North EDSA—are targeted for inauguration by the end of October, while new stations at PITX, Cubao, and Magallanes are expected to be completed in 2027.

Also read: Makati Could Get Its Own Bus Lanes Through Ayala and Buendia—Here's What We Know So Far