'Tablahan muna': DOTr rejects requests from government agencies to access EDSA Busway
Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista has rejected requests from various government agencies to be included on the list of vehicles allowed to travel along the EDSA Busway.
This was revealed by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Don Artes as he emphasized that even shuttle buses of their own agency are not allowed to ply the EDSA Busway.
This, as two MMDA shuttle buses were apprehended for illegally using the EDSA Busway, with Artes saying that both the drivers would pay the P5,000 penalty.
“The rule is that even our shuttle buses are not allowed to use EDSA Bus Carousel,” said Artes.
He disclosed that they received a number of requests from various government agencies and private entities requesting access to EDSA Bus Carousel.
“But when we endorsed it to the DOTr, they were denied,” said Artes.
On Thursday, April 4, Bautista reiterated that only authorized vehicles are allowed to use the EDSA Busway after increased apprehensions of erring motorists illegally using the lane dedicated for public utility buses (PUBs).
Based on the rule, only these vehicles are allowed to use the Busway:
1. LTFRB-authorized buses, including buses with special permits and/or franchises to operate on the EDSA Busway;
2. On-duty ambulances;
3. Firetrucks;
4. Philippine National Police (PNP) vehicles;
5. Service vehicles performing their duties for the EDSA Busway Project, including but not limited to construction, security, janitorial, and maintenance services within the EDSA Busway.
Likewise, the President, the Vice President, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Supreme Court Chief Justice are also allowed to use the EDSA Bus Carousel.