Fifty new buses have been added to the fleet plying the EDSA Busway route to provide transportation services to commuters as more of them returned to offices amid easing mobility restrictions.

Transportation Undersecretary Mark Steven Pastor said Wednesday that about 550 bus units are using the EDSA Busway, from the previously 500 units along the stretch of the superhighway.

Pastor said the Transportation department is eyeing to add more units in preparation for the Holiday season when demand for transportation is historically higher.

"Around 550 authorized units have been deployed along the EDSA Busway. We have 100 additional rescue units. We are still looking into adding more, especially during these "ber" months," he said.

Swedish assistance set

In August, the Swedish government signified interest to improve the government's EDSA Busway project to accommodate more commuters amid growing demand as physical school classes resume.

"During a recent courtesy call at the DoTr Secretary's office, Swedish Ambassador to the Philippines Annika Thunborg relayed the Swedish government's offer to help enhance the operational efficiency of the highly patronized EDSA Busway project that currently offers free rides to EDSA commuters until the end of the year," the DoTr said in a recent statement.

The transportation department reiterated that EDSA Busway needs to prepare for the looming number of passengers as the economy fully reopens.

It is a dedicated median bus lane service under a joint initiative of the DoTr, Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and Department of Public Works and Highways.