New DOTr chief Dizon: 鈥榃e need the Edsa busway鈥�
KEEP OR CLOSE? Amid a proposal from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to close the Edsa busway after the capacity of the Metro Rail Transit 3 is expanded significantly, the Department of Transportation has issued a statement saying the dedicated bus lane remains one of the most efficient public road transport systems in the National Capital Region. —INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — New Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon is against removing the Edsa Busway as it has become a vital component of a commuter’s daily life.
Dizon made the pronouncement on Friday in reaction to the statement of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) acting Chair Don Artes that the government was considering removing the busway once the capacity of the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT 3) could be expanded.
READ: MMDA, DOTr differ on Edsa busway
“We need the Edsa busway… and it worked,” Dizon said in a mix of English and Filipino a Palace press conference.
Article continues after this advertisementAccording to Dizon, the value of the busway “is really for the commuter,” as it has shortened the latter’s travel time along Edsa highway.
Article continues after this advertisementHe vowed to work with the MMDA and the Department of Public Works and Highways to find solutions to make the system more efficient.
Asked if he would support the privatization of the Edsa Busway, Dizon responded in the affirmative.
“That is the way to go. We need — these infrastructure projects really need to be operated well. We’ve already seen that in our country,” Dizon said.
“We’ll build infrastructure – airport, train, etcetera, etcetera – but it’ll just be neglected, after a few years it will be neglected. So, I absolutely agree [with the privatization],” he added.
