Bikers and bus riders may have something to look forward to after the community quarantine. Transport officials are looking into turning the innermost lane of EDSA into a bus-only lane, while the outermost lane will be reserved for bikes, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on May 18.
MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago said EDSA would initially be converted as a "connecting road" once Metro Manila shifts to general community quarantine (GCQ) and public transportation can resume operations.
Prior to the community quarantine, 2,500 buses passed through EDSA. After restrictions are lifted, Pialago said the highway would have only one route taken by 600 buses.
Given this plan, key people in transport are eyeing changes in how highway lanes are distributed amongst the different modes of transportation such as buses, private cars, and bikes.
"Ang bus routes, posibleng mailipat sa left side at maglalagay na lamang ng foot bridge para sa ating mga tatawid na kababayan," she said in a press briefing.
"Ang plano din ay ang target, magkakaroon ng bike lane malapit sa mga bangketa. Ito ang ginagawa ng DOTr, nakasuporta ang MMDA diyan sa side ng enforcement," she added.
Metro Manila is under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) from May 16 to May 31. This type of community quarantine prohibits all operations of public transport.
Public transport such as trains and buses are allowed to resume partial operations once the area shifts to GCQ. Said modes of transport can only operate on a limited capacity of 50%, and passengers must wear face masks, undergo thermal checks, and practice social distancing.
Main image from Unsplash.
