The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has revealed that provincial buses will be allowed to operate on EDSA from December 20, 2024, to January 2, 2025.
This move aims to support the surge of passengers expected during the holiday season and improve travel times across Metro Manila.
Starting from December 20 to 25, provincial buses will be permitted to traverse EDSA between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
From December 26 to January 2, buses will operate on EDSA 24/7, as shared in a report by The Manila Bulletin.
Over 2,100 provincial buses are expected to benefit from this adjustment.
Northbound buses will terminate in Cubao, Quezon City.
Southbound buses will end their trips at either the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) or Pasay City.
This change comes as traffic volume on EDSA is already reaching 464,000 vehicles daily, with an expected rise to 480,000 by mid-December.
As a result, travel speeds have dropped from 21 kilometers per hour to 18 kph.
The MMDA warns that speeds could further decrease to 15 kph as Christmas approaches.
Despite these changes, MMDA Chairperson Don Artes assured the public that the bus carousel operations would remain unaffected.
He explained, “We want to help bus operators serve more passengers and reduce their travel time, even with the rising vehicle count.”
In preparation for the holiday rush, MMDA traffic personnel will work extended hours.
The agency has implemented a “no absent, no leave” policy to ensure smoother traffic flow across the metro.
Artes also advised the public to plan their trips carefully, especially when visiting malls, as operating hours have been adjusted for holiday shopping.
This change is expected to ease travel for thousands of commuters, making their holiday journeys more comfortable and timely.
The MMDA is confident that this effort will make a meaningful difference for both bus operators and passengers.
Video: Papayagang dumaan ang provincial buses sa EDSA ngayong holiday season | Balitanghali
Between December 20 and 25, buses can travel on EDSA from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., and from December 26 to January 2, they will be allowed to operate 24/7.
The scheme will benefit over 2,100 provincial buses, with northbound buses terminating in Cubao and southbound buses stopping at either the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) or Pasay City.
With traffic volume on EDSA projected to rise, MMDA personnel will extend their duty hours, and commuters are urged to plan their trips, especially to malls, where holiday hours have been adjusted.