Describing it as a step backward for efficient mobility and road safety, former Senator Kiko Pangilinan has criticized the government’s plan to remove the EDSA Bus Lane.
Pangilinan said the Metro Manila Development Authority’s intention to phase out the EDSA Bus Lane is detrimental for commuters who enjoy daily faster travel time and safer commutes to their destination.
Instead of removing the EDSA Bus Lane, Pangilinan urged the government to focus on enhancing infrastructure and increasing support for public transportation.
“Napatunayan nang epektibo at kapaki-pakinabang ang bus lane para sa nakararami nating kababayan. Nawala na ang mga bus na pasuray-suray at papalit-palit ng linya sa kahabaan ng Edsa, bumilis ang biyahe ng mga commuter, at mas ligtas na ang lansangan para sa mga motorista,” Pangilinan said.
“Ang pagtanggal ng EDSA bus lane ay isang hakbang paatras at magpapalala lamang ng trapiko at magdudulot ng mas malaking abala sa ating mga motorista, at dagdag na pasanin sa mga commuter na umaasa sa mabilis at maaasahang biyahe,” he added.
Instead of removing the EDSA Bus Lane, the former Senator urged the government to focus on enhancing infrastructure and increasing support for public transportation.
“Nasaan ang awa at habag para maibsan ang kalbaryo ng mga commuter? Sa halip na tanggalin ang EDSA bus lane, bakit ‘di na lang paigtingin ang imprastraktura at suporta para sa pampublikong transportasyon?” Pangilinan emphasized.
“Ang pagpapanatili ng EDSA bus lane ay mahalaga upang masiguro ang patas, mura at maasahang biyahe para sa karamihan ng ating mga kababayan. Dapat nating ipaglaban ang karapatan ng mga nagko-commute na magkaroon ng maayos na transportasyon,” he further stressed.
During the 18th Congress, Pangilinan filed Senate Bill 775, or the Magna Carta for Dignified Commuting, which seeks to recognize, guarantee, and enforce the right of each person, especially of commuters who rely on public transportation services and active transport in their daily lives.
The proposed measure also aims to shift to a more sustainable transportation policy that provides safe access and mobility to all, promotes economic development, preserves the environment, and ultimately uplifts the lives of all commuters.
