By Ashley Erika O. Jose, Reporter
THE planned privatization of the EDSA Busway project is on hold for now as the Department of Transportation (DoTr) studies improvements that will be patterned on two “model” stations serving the SM group’s malls in Quezon City and Mandaluyong.
Transportation Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon told reporters on Tuesday that the DoTr “will use the model stations of SM North EDSA and SM Megamall station,” which will be donated by the SM Group.
“There is a budget for (overall system upgrades) but we are going to find out exactly how much we have for this year,” he said, adding that the SM stations will serve as the “blueprint for the planned construction and improvements of the remaining 21 stations.”
“We are confident that within the President’s term, by 2026 or 2027, we will really have a proper, very modern busway carousel system.”
The DoTr is planning to auction contracts for the upgrade of EDSA Busway’s current stations, Mr. Dizon said, adding that the construction is projected to start within the second half of the year.
Mr. Dizon said in terms of immediate relief for commuters, the DoTr will fund some more immediate upgrades, for which the operations and maintenance contracts will be offered to bidders.
The EDSA Busway Project initially involved the financing, design, construction, procurement of low-carbon buses, route planning, and operations and maintenance of the busway, according to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center.
Mr. Dizon said the feasibility study for the EDSA Busway project is expected to be completed within the next few months pending finalization of the terms of reference by its consultant.
The project’s privatization is now expected to take place by 2026, he said in a separate statement.
According to Nigel Paul C. Villarete, senior adviser on PPP at Libra Konsult, Inc., a transportation analyst, described the change of plan as in line with accepted practice.
“That model is a common arrangement for many cities in the world. In essence, the more permanent and fixed parts which will last for the long term are taken on by the government while the operations or moving parts are carried by private sector,” he said via Viber.
