Banking on mass transport systems, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) sees no need for some 5,000 Metro Manila buses operating along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue.

With the planned opening of the Light Rail Transit line 1 (Monumento- Baclaran) and the Metro Rail Transit line 3 (North Ave.,Quezon City-Taft Avenue,Pasay City) loop in December this year, LTFRB Chairman Alberto Suansing said only 1,000 buses would have to serve the EDSA route.

“That would be a big blow to their (Metro buses) operations,” Suansing said referring to the LRT North extension project, touted as the “Closing the Loop” project to connect the LRT1 Monumento Station to MRT3’s North Avenue Station through an entirely elevated 5.4 km viaduct.

Currently 4,500-5,000 buses operate at the 54-kilometer highway which heavily contributes to its congestion. With the LRT1-MRT3 interconnection

Only 1,000 buses should be operating in EDSA to ensure profitable operation.

“We will come into that. Based on surveys, buses in EDSA should not be more than 1,000 at any given time,” Suansing told reporters in an interview referring to the plan to trim down the number of buses in EDSA.

The number will result in more turnovers and higher revenues and incomes for every bus unit, he said.

He vowed that before President Arroyo’s term ends next year, EDSA would be cleared of excess buses.

Suansing noted that the LTFRB has ceased entertaining applications for bus franchises on EDSA.

“We will no longer be renewing the validity of expiring franchises (Metro buses),” Suansing said.

The LTFRB chief admits that such plan would result to job losses, but he appealed for understanding from the operators.

“Please understand that according to the Public Service Act, LTFRB’s concern is to transport commuting public from point A to point B. We also have a mandate to ensure that franchise holders will experience profitable operation,” he explained.

He promised that franchises that will be displaced would be offered other routes, especially to the provinces.

LTFRB’s plan to trim down the number of buses in EDSA will also greatly improve traffic flow, Suansing said.

“Currently travel time from Monumento (Caloocan)-Magallanes takes one hour and 45 minutes because of the numerous bus stops,” he said.