PPP being considered for España Busway

THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) said it is considering tapping the private sector for the planned busway along España Boulevard and is evaluating the project’s economic attractiveness to potential investors.

“We have to look for other options; we want to explore private partnerships,” Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven C. Pastor told reporters recently.

In 2025, the DoTr said it is considering the construction of a busway between España Boulevard in Manila and Quezon Avenue in Quezon City (QC).

A feasibility study is currently underway, Mr. Pastor said, adding that the DoTr is looking at various sites in Quezon City.

“We are looking at several sites along QC to implement it,” he said, noting that a viable alignment for a busway project at the moment would be along Katipunan Avenue and Circumferential Road 5 (C-5).

“Unfortunately, we have very limited funding for 2026; for busways we will only receive P88 million,” he added.

The DoTr is determined to have another busway due to passenger growth for the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) Busway project, he said.

“We are not scrapping the project. It is always on the horizon. Obviously, we see the success of the EDSA busway (being replicated elsewhere in the city) so we can expand our operations,” he said.

The DoTr expects the EDSA Busway to carry more than 70 million passengers this year, reflecting greater efficiencies due to modernization. Last year, the DoTr reported EDSA Busway rider volume of 66.67 million, up 5.79%.

In 2026, the DoTr is adding three more stations to the EDSA Busway: Cubao, Magallanes and the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange.

The DoTr is currently upgrading five EDSA Busway stations, including Bagong Barrio, Monumento, North Avenue, and Guadalupe, which are due for completion by the third quarter. The Kamuning station is expected to be finished next month. — Ashley Erika O. Jose