MMDA opens footbridge connecting MRT Buendia to new EDSA Busway

The less strict quarantine classification in the National Capital Region (NCR) means that more people can move freely. This prompted the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management (IATF) to increase the passenger capacity in public transportation. 

The new footbridge along EDSA

To help provide the public with a more convenient commuting experience, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has opened a new footbridge along EDSA, which connects the MRT Buendia to the new EDSA Busway. 

The new footbridge is located in the southbound direction of EDSA and Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati City. The MMDA said that it will help ease pedestrian traffic, and would result in a seamless transfer from MRT Buendia to the EDSA Busway, and vice versa.    

The footbridge is connected to the MRT-3 pedestrian overpass. It can be accessed from the southbound exit of the MRT-3 Buendia Station, which gives access to individuals going to and from the Makati Central Business District, Bonifacio Global City, and the new loading and unloading bay for the EDSA Busway in Buendia. 

“Buendia is one of the busiest intersections in terms of pedestrian traffic and having this overpass for them to use will make their trips easy, secured, and safe,” said MMDA chairman Benhur Abalos.

It is connected to the MRT-3 Buendia pedestrian overpass

The new footbridge is expected to serve commuters who have now started to go back to onsite work. It also coincides with the increased passenger capacity on public transportation. Since November 4, all public road-based and rail transport in Metro Manila can have a 70 percent passenger capacity.  

The Alert Level 2 now also allows more establishments to operate. Based on the guidelines, establishments can now have a maximum of 50 percent indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals. The said max capacity can also accommodate individuals below 18 years of age even if they are unvaccinated.  

The IATF is also allowing establishments to have a maximum of 70 percent outdoor venue capacity regardless of vaccination status. But, workers of the said establishments are required to be fully vaccinated. 

Vehicle volume in EDSA is now almost the same during pre-pandemic

The more relaxed quarantine classification in NCR also means that there are more vehicles on the road. The MMDA said that the vehicle volume in EDSA is now almost the same during pre-pandemic. 

As such, the agency is looking at the possibility of bringing back the number coding scheme to address the increase in vehicle volume. Abalos said that the agency could implement the number coding during rush hour, which is from 7 a.m. up to 9 a.m., and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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