Metro Manila commuters can now enjoy improved access to the EDSA Busway with the opening of the SM North EDSA Busway Concourse, a joint initiative of the Department of Transportation (DoTr) and SM Prime Holdings Inc.

At the inauguration on Thursday, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon pointed out the urgent need to ease the daily struggles of commuters trapped in Metro Manila’s notorious traffic.

He stressed that the EDSA Busway is a crucial solution to this issue, allowing commuters to reclaim hours previously spent on the road.

“I am happy to see this concourse come to life. Our communities will benefit from this,” Dizon said.

The new busway concourse is seamlessly linked to SM City North EDSA and SM CyberWest, integrates transport with commercial hubs for added convenience.

The SM North EDSA Busway Station is the first in a series of SM Prime initiatives aimed at creating a more connected and livable Metro Manila.

Meantime, SM Prime Holdings president Jeffrey C. Lim said the project is part of the company’s commitment to improving urban mobility.

“By designating a dedicated median lane for buses, this initiative has significantly reduced travel time, eased congestion on major roads, and improved commuter safety,” Lim said.

“We will continue working alongside our government partners to develop and deliver high-impact infrastructure projects that enhance accessibility, efficiency, and overall quality of life,” he added.

Now open to the public, the SM North EDSA Busway Concourse is expected to serve thousands of commuters daily, providing a faster, safer, and more convenient commuting experience.

Improving the EDSA Busway was one of Dizon’s key priorities when he assumed office late last month. However, focusing on station upgrades has led him to acknowledge that privatization would be pushed back.

“We’re going to start the process of bidding out for the improvement of the stations this year. There’s a budget allocated for that, and we will use the model stations of SM North EDSA and SM Megamall and replicate them in all 21 remaining stations,” Dizon said.

The EDSA Busway aims to improve accessibility, safety, and reliability while reducing travel time for commuters along the EDSA corridor and other major feeder roads in Metro Manila.

The DoTr had called for a feasibility study for the proposed privatization of the EDSA Busway System as early as October 2022.