Lengthy study for EDSA Busway privatization turning off investors, says MAP

In this July 5, 2022, file photo, commuters line up for a free bus ride at the Guadalupe, Makati station along Edsa. The “Libreng Sakay” program has been extended until the end of the year, but Filipinos are begging for long-term solutions to the country’s transport woes as they return to onsite work and in-person classes. (File photo by RICHARD A. REYES / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — The project study for the Edsa Busway system would take six to 12 months to finish, effectively dampening the enthusiasm of the private sector wanting to invest in the transport system, according to the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP).

“This approach was met with disappointment from the private sector participants as the concept of the busway has been proven during the two years in operation and it is no longer a greenfield project that requires an exhaustive and time-consuming project study,” read the summary of consultation held last week, which was emailed by Eddie Yap, MAP infrastructure committee chair.

“It was suggested to let private proponents prepare the necessary spadework as a way of fast-tracking the submission of proposals for government evaluation and approval,” it read further.

MAP said that SM Property Holdings was ready to spend over P300 million for three stations in Ortigas Ave, North Edsa, and the Mall of Asia but that the project has not been finished after over a year.

Red tape

The business group said that only the Mall of Asia station has been completed after more than a year due to bureaucratic red tape.

“The plans for the two other stations were reviewed by Department of Transportation (DOTr) and (a) Mandaluyong city building official promptly issued the building permit but the process got bogged down,” the group said, citing a bottleneck on the side of the Metro Manila Development Authority and the Department of Public Works and Highways.

“Hence, these major stops in Ortigas and Edsa North still have no dedicated busway station and severe overcrowding is a daily occurrence in the MRT3 stations, which are being used for the busway as a temporary measure,” MAP said.

Primo Morillo, the convener of commuter rights group The Passenger Forum, said there were concerns that the privatization would cause bus fares to increase once the free service ends in December.

“We fear that privatization will lead to higher fares. We think there should be more state [subsidies] for mass transport solutions such as the Edsa Carousel System,” Morillo said in a message sent to the Inquirer.

State subsidy

“Yes, we acknowledge that the Edsa Busway needs a lot of improvement, hence our call for greater state subsidy. Government support that will be used to add stations, create better terminals, study how to ensure better commuter experience, among others will be a great help in making the busway work,” he added.

Earlier in August, MAP urged the government to privatize the Edsa busway and bus service, submitting a recommendation to the DOTr to have it under an operate-and-maintenance concession wherein the government provides the infrastructure and its improvements.

A private concessionaire, meanwhile, will operate and maintain its facilities according to MAP’s suggestion.

RELATED STORIES

Privatization of EDSA bus system proposed

Edsa busway concourses at SM Malls

Edsa busway concourses at SM Malls