GUADALUPE, Makati City — Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Atty. Romando Artes has disclosed that they are now considering the eventual removal of the EDSA (Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue) Busway as part of a broader effort to improve traffic flow in Metro Manila.

In an announcement, the MMDA chairman explained that the proposal is aligned with plans to enhance the capacity of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) system, which would serve as an alternative means of mass transportation for commuters currently relying on passenger buses.

Artes clarified, though, that the recommendation is still under study and would not be implemented until significant improvements were made to the MRT's efficiency and passenger capacity.

He cited that by increasing the number of train coaches and reducing waiting times, concerns from commuter about the difficulty of travel would be addressed as increased efficiency of the MRT in travel time and capacity would help absorb displaced passengers should the busway be phased out.

To conclude, Chairman Artes assured the riding public that the plan is still in its early stages and that thorough studies, including consultations with stakeholders, would be conducted before any final decision was made for the removal of the EDSA busway.