MMDA starts bus segregation on EDSA

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) started yesterday the implementation of the bus segregation scheme along EDSA.

Under the scheme, the MMDA will segregate bus stops along EDSA by making them alternately exclusive to “A,”“B” and “C” buses as part of its efforts to decongest vehicular traffic along EDSA.

“A” buses are those that ply the EDSA-Alabang route and will only stop to pick up or unload passengers at “A” bus stops while “B” buses are those that ply the EDSA-Baclaran route and will only stop at “B” bus stops. Buses labeled “C” can stop at all bus stops.

MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino has advised commuters to check the markings on the bus before they board.

The MMDA has marked the following bus stops as “A” bus stops: (Southbound) Ermin Garcia, Arayat Cubao, VV Soliven, Connecticut, Shaw Starmall, Guadalupe, Buendia Avenue, Mantrade; (Northbound) Ermin Garcia, Cubao Farmers, Boni Serrano, SM Megamall, Shaw Boulevard, Guadalupe, Buendia Avenue and Magallanes.

“B” bus stops are: (Southbound) Kamuning, Monte de Piedad, Main Avenue, POEA Ortigas, Pioneer/Boni, Estrella and Ayala Avenue (Northbound) Baliwag/5Star, Main Avenue, Ortigas Avenue, SM Megamall, Pioneer/Boni, Estrella and Ayala Avenue.

According to the MMDA, more than 3,600 city buses ply EDSA on a daily basis, while another 7,368 provincial buses whose companies operate terminals in the metropolis also use the same highway.

Buses are only allowed to use the two rightmost lanes of EDSA, commonly called the yellow lanes.

“With this bus stop segregation scheme, bus congestion in the yellow lane as well as accidents will hopefully be reduced. There won’t be a reason for all buses to fight over one bus stop anymore,” Tolentino said.