Should EVs, hybrid cars be allowed on bus lanes? [Poll of the Week]

The Philippine government is looking for ways to promote the use of electric vehicles (EV). Among the incentives for owning one is the exemption from the number coding scheme, priority in registration and renewal, and dedicated parking slots, among others. 

Electric vehicles and hybrid cars could soon be allowed on the EDSA bus lane

The Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing an additional incentive for individuals who are or who will be owning an EV in the future. The DOE is considering allowing EVs and even hybrid cars to use the designated bus lane on EDSA. This move is seen to help promote the use of EVs and hybrids in the Philippines. 

The said proposal was voiced out by DOE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella. He believes that this move will help promote the use of EVs and hybrids in the country. Fuentebella added that this could potentially encourage Filipinos to shift to e-vehicles.   

The DOE Undersecretary also said that e-vehicles will have “green plates”, and not the usual black and white plates for easier monitoring. It will also make them more distinguishable from regular combustion-powered vehicles. 

“The move for that is coming up with ‘green plates’ – not the usual black and white plates for passenger vehicles but ‘green plates’ for e-vehicles to monitor it,” Fuentebella said.

EDSA Bus Lane

To put things in perspective, the designated bus lane along EDSA generally provides faster travel time as it is segregated or blocked off from other vehicles. Using the bus lane, EDSA Carousel bus units can reach Buendia in Makati City from Quezon City’s North Avenue in just 20 minutes. That could indeed be an enticing proposition considering the vehicle volume along EDSA, especially during the Christmas rush.

However, allowing EVs and hybrid cars into the bus lane could also lead to an increased vehicle volume within the said designated lane. This could result in slower average speed among buses and longer waiting time for commuters taking the EDSA Carousel bus.

Could the said move affect traffic along the EDSA bus lane?

Yes, EVs are not yet a common sight on Philippine roads. But, it’s not the same when you look into hybrid cars, which are gaining popularity in the local market. As such, the added vehicle volume along the EDSA bus lane could not be the most ideal situation for Filipino commuters.

How about you? Do you think that EVs and hybrid cars be allowed to use the bus lane? Cast your vote now in Philkotse’s Poll of the Week.