Transport Groups Rally Behind DOTr Chief in Opposing Carpooling on EDSA Busway
In a significant development for Metro Manila's public transportation system, several key transport organizations have publicly endorsed Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez's firm opposition to proposals that would permit carpooling vehicles to utilize the dedicated EDSA Busway. This collective stance emerged on Friday, January 30, 2026, highlighting a unified effort to preserve the efficiency of one of the capital's most vital transit corridors.
Strong Support from Provincial Bus Operators
The Provincial Bus Operators Association of the Philippines (PBOAP), through its executive director Alex Yague, issued a statement via the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) expressing full agreement with Secretary Lopez. Yague emphasized that the fundamental purpose of the EDSA Busway would be undermined if private vehicles were granted access.
"I agree with Secretary Lopez, the EDSA Carousel is designed for buses which are for mass transport," Yague stated, reinforcing the view that the infrastructure is tailored specifically for high-capacity public vehicles to maximize passenger throughput.
Concerns Over Reverting to Congestion
Echoing these sentiments, Melencio Vargas, president of the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP), voiced apprehensions that allowing carpooling on the busway could reintroduce the severe traffic jams that once plagued EDSA. Vargas argued that the current smooth operation of the busway should not be compromised.
"Maayos na ang operasyon ng EDSA Busway, bakit guguluhin pa? Mauuwi lang ito sa dating sistema na buhol-buhol ang traffic sa EDSA dahil walang sistema (EDSA Busway is already operating smoothly, why change it? This will only lead to the old system of heavy traffic on EDSA)," he remarked, stressing the potential negative impact on commuter experience.
Operational Limitations Highlighted
Adding to the chorus of opposition, "Ka Obet" Martin, national president of Pasang-Masda, pointed out the physical constraints of the EDSA Busway, which occupies only a single lane. He warned that introducing additional vehicles could lead to blockages and disruptions, adversely affecting the thousands of bus passengers who rely on the service daily.
"Mas madaming sasakyan ang padaanin mo diyan, mas malaki ang posibilidad na mahaharangan yan at maapektuhan ang mas maraming pasahero ng mga bus (If more vehicles are allowed on the EDSA Busway, the bigger the possibility of getting blocked and affecting bus passengers)," Martin explained, underscoring the logistical challenges.
Background of the Controversy
The debate intensified earlier in the week when Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre III disclosed a study exploring the possibility of permitting high-occupancy vehicles, specifically those carrying at least ten passengers, to use the EDSA Busway. This proposal, aimed at promoting carpooling to alleviate metropolitan congestion, was met with skepticism from transportation officials.
On Thursday, January 29, 2026, Secretary Lopez publicly opposed the idea, arguing that it could detract from the busway's primary objective: to facilitate rapid and uninterrupted service for buses that transport up to 300,000 passengers each day. The transport groups' backing reinforces this position, advocating for a focus on mass transit solutions over private vehicle initiatives.
As discussions continue, the unified stance of these organizations highlights the ongoing efforts to balance innovation in transportation with the practical needs of Metro Manila's commuting public, ensuring that the EDSA Busway remains a cornerstone of efficient urban mobility.
