MANILA -- The Department of Transportation (DOTr), in partnership with SM Prime Holdings, formally opened on Thursday the new SM North EDSA Busway Concourse.

The bridgeway, which was funded by SM, will connect passengers from the newly opened SM North EDSA busway station to the mall, other establishments, and various transportation options.

The new facility features a well-lit and covered walkway, with escalators and elevators that ensure accessibility especially for senior citizens, Persons With Disability (PWD), and pregnant women.

“Beyond being a 24/7 transport link, this project carries a special meaning for SM Prime because it aligns with our vision as a property developer. At SM Prime, we see infrastructure not just as buildings, but as a way to create spaces that genuinely serve people,” said SM Prime President Jeffrey Lim.

Apart from Lim, the event was attended by DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon and other officials from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Department of Public Works and Highways.

But in a break from tradition, it was the commuter groups and EDSA busway advocates who got the chance to do the actual ribbon-cutting for the project— with Dizon saying it was primarily made for them.

As a bimodal commuter, Jeza Rodriguez of Move as One Coalition said it will now be easier for her to bring her bicycle along with her during bus rides.

“Talagang pag bibitbitin namin yung bisikleta namin doon sa (lumang) terminal, sobrang hirap, ang daming protocols. Unlike dito may shade, we would say safe din kasi may ilaw,” she said.

Dizon said the SM North EDSA Busway concourse as the perfect model station for its plan to construct dedicated bridgeways for the entire EDSA Carousel system.

“Gagayahin nalang natin ‘to. Ang ganda diba? Bakit pa tayo mag-iisip? Alam naman natin ire-rehab ang EDSA… Sasabay na kami, aayusin na namin para pagdating ng next year, hindi lang tayo magkakaroon ng magandang EDSA dahil sa gagawin ng DPWH, gaganda na rin pati yung busway natin,” said Dizon.

EDSA rehabilitation

The EDSA rehabilitation has meanwhile been moved to early April, instead of this March, due to the need for further planning, said Dizon.

He said the DOTr will still need to meet with DPWH and MMDA to iron out the traffic management plan.

But whatever happens, EDSA busway proponent Eduardo Yap— who also serves as the Chairman od the Management Association of the Philippines’ Traffic and Infrastructure Committee said the exclusive lane for buses must retain its exclusivity.

“During the forthcoming rehabilitation of EDSA, this busway must be maintained with its own dedicated lane and other vehicles must not share it. Private car motorists must adopt and switch to mass transport and not the other way around,” said Yap during his speech at the same event.

While there are no final announcements yet on the fate of the EDSA Busway, Dizon assured the public that commuters will be prioritized.