Former senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Friday suggested reversing the direction of buses on the EDSA Busway to curb unauthorized vehicle use following reports of repeated violations—including one involving a Philippine National Police (PNP) convoy.
“To prevent unauthorized vehicles from using the busway, MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) may consider studying the infrastructure reconfiguration to reverse the direction of buses passing through the bus lanes and make the problem solve itself. Nobody wants a head-on collision,” Lacson said in a post on X.
“Exempt yourself at your own risk,” he added.
The EDSA Busway was designed to provide commuters with a safe and reliable transport option by dedicating specific lanes exclusively for buses. However, enforcement has been a challenge due to repeated violations by private and government vehicles.
Earlier this week, a PNP convoy used the restricted lane, citing the “urgent” need for a senior official to reach the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame. The incident drew criticism from the public and government officials.
Malacañang on Thursday reminded the PNP that “emergency” situations should not be used as a blanket excuse to disregard busway regulations.
However, the busway can be utilized by the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Supreme Court Chief Justice in the performance of their duties.
Violators of EDSA Busway rules face the following penalties: P5,000 for first offense; P10,000 plus a one-month suspension of the driver’s license and mandatory road safety seminar for second offense; P20,000 plus a one-year suspension of the driver’s license for third offense; and P30,000 plus a recommendation to the Land Transportation Office for license revocation for fourth offense.
Previously, former transportation secretary Jaime Bautista suggested altering the busway’s direction last year, noting that bus operators were receptive to this proposal: “We had a very good discussion about the possibility of moving the busway direction. Instead of heading north on the right side, it could be moved to the left side.”
Bautista added this change would benefit passengers, as most bus doors along EDSA are on the right side, allowing passengers to board and alight directly onto the center island without having to cross in front of buses.