MMDA mulls closing EDSA U-turn slots to speed up bus lane

MANILA: The MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) is studying the possibility of closing U-turn slots on EDSA in order to speed up the pace of PUBs (public utility buses) on the ‘carousel’ route.

As the EDSA Carousel uses the innermost lane, MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim sees this mode of transportation as the most efficient in decongesting traffic while also moving people from the north and south entry points of the 23.8-kilometer avenue.

“We are prioritizing the movement of more people on EDSA through a more efficient mass transport system,” said Lim.

Transit time yesterday from Monumento to the MMDA office in Guadalupe, Makati was 50 minutes with only two short stops at Main Avenue and Santolan.

To improve travel time further, the MMDA wishes to remove impediments like traffic build-up along the innermost lane due to private vehicles making a U-turn along EDSA.

"I have instructed TEC to study the impact of closing the U-turn slots and find viable solutions to negate its effect," added Lim.

While private motorists may balk at the idea, Lim stressed that the convenience of commuters is the topmost priority of the MMDA and they will consider suggestions from government officials to improve movement along the busway system.

Photo courtesy of wikimapia.org

Also read: 150 buses deployed on 1st day of EDSA Busway operations