What do you feel about the return of provincial buses along EDSA?
Provincial buses will be allowed to ply the stretch of EDSA under a two-week dry run, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced today.
MMDA chairman Romando Artes, announced that IATF Resolution No. 101 on uniform travel protocols is expiring today, allowing provincial buses along the main thoroughfare.
"The Department of Transportation and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board gave the green light to allow provincial buses to ply EDSA starting 10 tonight up to 5 am," Artes noted.
As early as February this year, when Metro Manila and neighboring areas started to ease Covid-19 restrictions, transport groups have called for the IATF to lift the bus ban on EDSA.
Back then, only 10 percent of provincial bus companies were allowed to operate, and advocates were saying it is taking a toll on the companies’ finances.
Under Alert Level 1, all remaining provincial buses have been allowed to operate but only in inter-regional routes.
“These include buses in Calabarzon with [an] endpoint in Cubao, Quezon City that were transferred to the PITX. They will be allowed to return to their original terminal at the Araneta bus station,” said Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
With the return of provincial buses along EDSA, commuters from South Luzon cities will no longer need to transfer buses in PITX on their way to Quezon City.
It will also increase public transportation options for Metro Manila commuters.
Tags: #EDSA, #provincialbuses, #DoTr, #commuting, #MMDA, #LTFRB, #transportation