Have you ever wondered what it will be like to take a public bus in new normal EDSA? We know this will not be the most convenient way of traveling in Metro Manila in the time of Covid-19, but don’t you want to try something new?
Our bus transport system has regularly landed at the bottom of the service ladder and represent a large part of the traffic on EDSA. But the first important thing to know about bus travel is that in Metro Manila, you can get almost everywhere by bus. Buses are cheap and are often used by workers who do not own a car or prefer a bus to a train. At the end of the bus route, you can often continue your journey by other means of transportation: jeepneys, tricycles, and pedicabs.
Under the new layout of the modified lane assignment for EDSA, most bus stops will be located at the innermost section of the highway just below the MRT rail track, and the new installations looks like this one already in place at the North Avenue MRT Station.
 |
| North Avenue bus stop in front of Trinoma Landmark |
The new bus stops are constructed in the middle of EDSA and are connected via footbridge from both sides of the highway to let pedestrians/commuters cross safely without slowing traffic. With these new designs, the buses would no longer pick up and drop off passengers on sidewalks, which greatly contributed to the daily traffic congestion on EDSA before.
 |
| Quezon Avenue bus stop in front of Eton Centris |
Tedious to use, because one has to go up a flight of stairs, walk over the bridge before finally going down to the designated bus stop. You would just have to appreciate the views, enjoy the breeze or take pleasure from the feel of rumble from the traffic underneath. At least, you don't have to dangerously sprint across the highway just to catch a ride.
The only thing that may stir a concern is a service option for the elderly and the disabled. There are already plans in place to install lifters for PWDs and senior citizens, but only in selected areas. This means not all bus stops will have their own lifters.
 |
| EDSA corner Munoz. Bus stop under construction at the center island. |
According to the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the bus stops are expected to become operational starting June 22 when the EDSA Carousel Route is officially launched. There will be five MRT stations, two LRT-1 stations and one footbridge that will be used as access to these bus stops. Some parts of EDSA that will remain without barricades in the north and in the south will be the open portions where buses can still use the old bus stops on the right side of EDSA.
MMDA also said that the buses will operate with a fixed schedule, fixed headway and fixed dispatching system. Since there will be a dedicated lane for the buses, it is expected that the travel time using public transport will now be faster, will result in more bus trips and will serve more passengers.
Are you convinced yet? What other suggestions would you add to make you consider bus travel in EDSA?
Share your ideas in the comments section below.
If you have read this blog post here, I like to inform you that the original post is at https://emongsjournals.blogspot.com