Elevated Mass Transit Walkways Will Soon Rise on EDSA, Says DOTr

In comparison to cities around the world, Metro Manila notably falls short in the walkability of its roads. EDSA, a major artery of the city’s transportation network, is characterized by its heavy reliance on vehicles for mobility, making it challenging and sometimes unsafe for pedestrians.

But officials are hoping to turn things around, ramping up the construction of elevated walkways on major thoroughfares in Metro Manila.

The EDSA Greenways Project, said to be the Philippines’ biggest investment in pedestrian infrastructure, is currently in Phase One. This phrase will traverse through the MRT-3 Balintawak, Cubao, Guadalupe, and Taft stations. But the pathways will not only be linked to key train lines. Commuters will also have direct access to other transport hubs and surrounding establishments, including shopping malls. 

It is expected that the five-kilometer mass transit walkways will encourage more people to choose walking over driving, especially given the worsening traffic conditions on EDSA, thereby promoting active transport.

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“This is us walking the talk when we say we should be prioritizing moving people and not cars,” Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary Timothy John Batan said.

Other features of the $140-million pedestrian facility, funded by the Asian Development Bank, include elevators, providing convenience to the elderly, pregnant women, young children, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

The project is seen to be completed by 2027.

Dedicated motorcycle lane

One less problem for motorists, too, because an exclusive lane may soon be in the works for motorcycle riders on EDSA.

According to the DOTr, it is studying whether it could push through with the initiative to further ease traffic congestion, as around 170,000 motorcycles use EDSA every day.

Right now, there is no dedicated lane for motorcycle riders on the key thoroughfare. The four-lane EDSA has one lane serving as busway; another for bicycles; and the remaining two for cars and other vehicles. Motorcycles are, then, spread out across the lanes.

“We are looking at maybe putting up the motorcycle lane next to the bicycle lane,” said Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista.

We don’t know yet when the decision could be finalized, but the DOTr already had initial talks with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

While potential improvements are underway on EDSA, the economic cost of traffic could hopefully be brought down, transportation officials said. That value pertains to losses incurred by motorists and passengers alike, such as additional money used for fuel and “lost time.”

A study by the Japan International Cooperation showed the economic cost of traffic hit P4.9 billion per day in Metro Manila in 2022, and could skyrocket to as high as P9 billion in 2030.