The Department of Transportation, together with different government agencies, and SM Prime Holdings today held a virtual groundbreaking ceremony of the EDSA Busway Concourse Project.

The project will install three major bus terminals along EDSA to service the new manner by which buses ply the main thoroughfare of the nations capital. These terminals will be built by SM Prime Holdings at their three major mall along EDSA – SM North, SM Megamall and SM Mall of Asia.

All spaces and costs for the building of the concourse will be shouldered by SM following the successful signing of a Memorandum of Agreement last November 2020.

The EDSA Concourse Project is envisioned to provide safer, more convenient access to the stations of the EDSA Busway, and to give a better commuting experience to the Filipinos, with these concourses designed and equipped with ticketing booths, Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS) turnstiles, and concierges, which will allow all transport transactions to take place at the concourses, prior to the onboarding of passengers.

In this virtual ceremony, Transport Secretary Art Tugade conveyed his gratitude for the commitment, support, and partnership extended by other government agencies, and the private sector, in their help in realizing this much-needed transformational change in the metro commuting experience.

“Taos-puso ang aking pasasalamat dahil sa wakas, makakamit at matitikman na ng publiko ng tunay na pagbabago sa EDSA gamit ang EDSA Busway Concourse,” Sec. Tugade said.

He added, “Lahat ‘ho ‘yan, bahagi ng ating pinagsama-samang hakbang para masabi na iyong imposible dati, nagawa at gagawin nating posible ngayon. At higit sa lahat, with the EDSA Busway, we are not just changing the system, but also the culture on the road. We are inculcating the values and the discipline for the benefit of the people.”

For his part, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan remarked, “Through this initiative, SM Supermalls looks forward to contributing to the vision of DOTr, and its partner agencies and the LGUs, in providing a more comfortable, efficient and convenient experience for the commuting public.”

SMPHI President Jeffrey Lim congratulated Sec. Tugade, the DOTr, and the respective public and private partners, for successfully bringing the project into fruition, and ensure the company’s continued support for the initiative.

“Allow me to begin by congratulating Sec. Tugade, the DOTr, and the partner agencies, LGUs and advocates for the vision and leadership behind the EDSA Busway Project, it is indeed a transformative and pioneering transport initiative—improving the travel experience of commuters along Metro Manila thoroughfare,” Mr. Lim said.

He added, “In addition to funding the construction of these concourses, SM will ensure that these facilities are properly secured and well-maintained for the safety and convenience of all passengers and pedestrians.”

Meanwhile, key officials from the national and local government, expressed their messages of support for the successful run of the EDSA Busway Project.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar congratulated and commended the visionary leadership of Sec. Art Tugade, saying, “Sec Art, you have done a great job, you really changed the landscape of mass transportation and I only have the highest regard for you and your team. So, congratulations again, you always have our support, and we will continue to do everything we can to support you in this very historic endeavor.”

Meanwhile, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr. agreed with Sec. Villar’s acknowledgement towards Sec. Tugade’s leadership, and said, “Tama si Sec. Villar, talagang napakahusay ni Secretary Art Tugade—very visionary. Unang-una ‘yung subway project na in-implement niya, talagang ang dami, the bus carousel. Talagang it’s an honor to be working with you, Secretary Tugade.”

He added, “In your continuous effort of prioritizing our commuter’s mobility with the EDSA Busway Concourse Project, we can provide a more seamless EDSA busway as we make commuting easier, safer more comfortable and more inclusive to infrastructures that are PWD-, senior citizen-, and pregnant women-friendly.”

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, on the other hand, said, “Its immediate and flawless execution is one of the greatest acts of political will. Now, we are blessed with another breathtaking development in the overall plan to enhance the transport experience of our millions of commuters.”

Mandaluyong City Mayor Menchie Abalos also expressed, “I hereby signify my full and solid support for the success of the EDSA Busway Concourse Project.”

For her part, Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay-Campos conveyed, “On behalf of the City of Makati, let me express our gratitude and support for the national government and its private sector partners for this innovative undertaking that will raise by several degrees the standards of public transport system in the metropolis.”

Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano said, “Kami po sa Pasay, 101% ang suporta namin sa proyektong ito at kung ano man ang aking mapaglilingkod pa, nakabukas ang aking tanggapan upang sumporta sa aking makakay.”

As part of the private sector partnership, Busway Advocate and Chairman of Green EDSA Movement Eduardo Yap expressed his message of support and gratitude.

“The transformation of EDSA is a manifestation of effective public and private partnership. I personally thank SM Prime Holdings, for answering the call for assistance, by graciously taking on the construction and maintenance of these vital components at no cost to the government. Maraming salamat kay Sec. Tugade, dahil sa inyong mga reporma at pagtitiwala sa konsepto ng Busway, mayroon na tayong Busway.”

The EDSA Busway system —a joint project of the DOTr, in cooperation with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), MMDA, and the DPWH—started its interim operations in June of last year, and was designed and intended to allow faster travel time for commuters, provide a comfortable commute for the Filipinos amid the pandemic, and improve mobility along EDSA.

Other officials who were present in the event include LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III, Land Transportation Office (LTO) Chief Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante, DOTr Assistant Secretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor, Assistant Secretary for Communications and Commuter Affairs Goddes Hope Libiran, Assistant Secretary for Special Concerns Manny Gonzales, Road Sector Senior Consultant Alberto Suansing, SM Engineering Design and Development President Hans Sy, several local government representatives, and executives from the SM Supermalls.

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