The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) are planning to link the bicycle lanes of EDSA to other bicycle lanes of local governments of Metro Manila.
“Ito ho ikokonek namin sa ibang bike lane sa ibang siyudad at local governments,” said DOTr Sec. Arthur Tugade during an interview over CNN Philippines.
“Gusto ho namin magkaroon na talaga bike lanes na buo at kumpleto,” he pointed out.
Tugade said he has already discussed this possibility with MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia.
In the meantime, Tugade said they are preparing bike lanes along EDSA.
“Uumpisahan ho ang pagmarka ng mga bicycle lane, ‘yung paggawa ng istraktura, uumpisahan na rin ho in close coordination with MMDA, the Department of Public Works and the assistance of DILG,” he said.
Tugade disclosed that as early as mid-May he sought help from DPWH Secretary Mark Villar to revive the bike lanes along EDSA.
“Pag ito nabuo at na-implement sa EDSA, makikita ninyo may dedicated lane — bus sa kaliwa, sa gitna ho private cars, doon sa bandang kanan will be the bicycle lanes,” he said.
At the moment, augmentation buses are using the bus lane during the DOTr’s Phase 1 resumption of public transportation which covers the period of June 1 to 21.
Other modes of transportation allowed during Phase 1 include trains, taxis, transport network vehicle services (TNVS), shuttle services, point-to-point buses, and bicycles.
“Pagdating sa new normal dito na rin ho dadaan sa lugar na ito ‘yung mga bus na papayagang tumahak sa EDSA,” Tugade said. (Jeffrey Damicog)
