Lack of public info hounds EDSA express bus project

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) attributed the not so encouraging patronage of the government's holiday non-stop express bus service to lack of public information.

During the first two days of its operation, the express bus service, intended to convince car owners to take public transport, only had few passengers.

Crisanto Saruca of the MMDA Traffic Discipline Office said public acceptance seemed too cold because of the lack of information dissemination about the express bus service.

"We expect that not so many people would patronize the bus service, many are still unaware. We need to do more public information campaigns," said Saruca.

At least 20 express buses are operating on three designated routes from Quezon City to Makati: Trinoma, SM North Edsa in Quezon City to Park Square Ayala Center, SM North Edsa to Glorietta 5; and SM Megamall to Park Square terminal. The fares range from 50 to 80. The operation of the express buses starts around 6 a.m. with trips every 30 minutes. The last trip will be around 10 p.m. on both directions.

The buses are being dispatched on time from terminals whether the units are already full of its seating capacity or not.

The air-conditioned units, are equipped with Wi-Fi, exempted from the number coding, with special permits for the duration of their trips.

"Office workers can open their laptops to work while on the bus," said Saruca.

“This part of the long-term plan for the creation of a point to point bus service starting January. We want to let the public experience the bus and see adjustments we have to make,” said Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Winston Ginez.