MMDA allows provincial buses on EDSA for holidays

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has allowed provincial buses to return to EDSA for the holiday season.

The buses would be able to traverse portions of EDSA starting today until Jan. 2 next year.

Buses coming from Northern Luzon should “terminate their trips at the bus terminals in Cubao, Quezon City,” while those from Southern Luzon should stop at “bus terminals in Pasay City,” the MMDA said.

Having provincial buses back on EDSA would allow them “to accommodate the expected influx of passengers going to the provinces for the holiday season and ensure the convenience and comfort of commuters,” the MMDA said.

Previously, only city buses were allowed on EDSA and only on the EDSA Busway.

No Q City buses

Meanwhile, the Quezon City government yesterday urged the public to plan their trips accordingly as there will be no free bus service during the holidays.

In an advisory, the city government said Q City Bus operations will be suspended on Dec. 24, 25, 30 and 31 and on Jan. 1.

Regular operations will resume on Jan. 2, it added.

Launched in 2020, the Q City Bus aimed to augment public transportation during the height of the pandemic.

The local government has since institutionalized the initiative, which currently includes eight routes linking major thoroughfares and locations in the city. – Ralph Edwin Villanueva, Janvic Mateo