The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is set to ask Congress for a 16-fold increase in the 2026 budget for the EDSA busway, from P88.71 million to P1.32 billion, to prepare the system for eventual privatization.
The agency originally sought P14.13 billion for a full overhaul, including building dedicated concourses to make access easier for commuters, especially seniors and persons with disabilities.
Ongoing projects include a P253-million upgrade of several major stations and a P89-million renovation of the Kamuning stop with a new footbridge.
Once rehabilitation is completed, the busway will be turned over to the private sector under a P36.74-billion public-private partnership (PPP).
Advocacy groups, however, cautioned the DOTr against a uniform station design that could limit the future capacity of the busway, which already serves over 177,000 commuters daily.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 2, 2025
