EDSA Busway Privatization is in the works, but the government assures the public that the transport system will not be removed, according to Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista.
In a statement on Friday, February 7, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) clarified that there are no plans to dismantle the EDSA Busway, emphasizing instead that its operations will be privatized to improve commuter services.
Bautista described the EDSA Busway as “one of the most efficient passenger transport systems in Metro Manila” and reaffirmed that it will continue to operate.
He dismissed speculations, saying, “Yes, the EDSA Busway will not be removed. There were discussions, but it will remain in place.”
The statement followed comments from Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes, who suggested that the EDSA Busway might be phased out once the MRT-3 increases its capacity.
To ease public concerns, Bautista reiterated that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has stressed the need for an effective public transport system.
He also mentioned that he and other Cabinet members recently met with the President to discuss the Comprehensive Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) for Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
Bautista clarified that the EDSA Busway serves a different purpose than the MRT-3, as it caters to passengers from Caloocan City to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), while the MRT-3 only runs between North Avenue in Quezon City and Taft Avenue in Pasay City.
He added that point-to-point (P2P) buses and airport express buses are now allowed to use the EDSA Busway to help reduce congestion on the major thoroughfare.
Meanwhile, Bautista shared updates on the feasibility study for the privatization of the EDSA Busway, which is expected to be completed within a few months. The government aims to hand over operations to a private entity by the end of 2026.