The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Monday opened the Philam and Kamuning Stations in Quezon City as part of the EDSA Busway project.
In addition to these new stations, enhancements have been made at existing stations such as Guadalupe, Santolan, Balintawak, Bagong Barrio, Monumento, Ayala, Buendia, Kaingin, Nepa Q-Mart, Quezon Avenue, Roosevelt, Roxas Boulevard, and Tramo.
MMDA chairman Don Artes said the new stations and improvements demonstrate the collaborative efforts of government agencies to provide efficient, affordable, comfortable, and safer bus services.
“The EDSA-Philam station features elevators or manlifters to provide accessibility and convenience to passengers, especially senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs),” said Artes.
“Four other footbridges, particularly stations in Monumento, Bagong Barrio, Balintawak, Guadalupe, have three elevators or manlifters each to encourage more passengers to ride the EDSA Busway,” he added.
To ensure passenger safety and security, the MMDA has installed a Smart Traffic Surveillance System along the Busway using funding from the DOTr.
This system includes 166 CCTV cameras, 21 of which utilize artificial intelligence (AI) technology, to monitor bus loading and unloading times and drivers’ violations.
These measures are intended to enhance commuter trips and make them faster and more efficient.
Artes highlighted that these initiatives align with President Marcos’ Philippine Development plan, with the aim of increasing the average number of daily passengers on the busway.
He stressed that the collaborative efforts of government agencies emphasize their commitment to providing efficient, effective, and secure transportation systems to manage transport and traffic in the metropolis.
DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista expressed gratitude to the MMDA for its support of the department’s projects aimed at providing comfortable, affordable, safe, and secure travel experiences, particularly for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
