MMDA bus segregation plan: A for Alabang, B for Baclaran

From gmanetwork.com:

September 28, 2012

This in brief is how the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is planning to segregate bus stops along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA).

“Currently, we have two types of city buses in EDSA. A for Alabang routes and B for Baclaran routes. Both types can load and unload passengers on all stops in EDSA. We are proposing to designate every other stops to either only A or only B,” said MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino.

Tolentino said an example would be only B buses can stop at Taft, while A buses can only stop at Magallanes.

But before that, the MMDA said “several bus operator consultations will be conducted and an extensive information campaign will be in place for the public.”

Also, the MMDA said the proposal calls for a certain percent of each bus fleet being designated “all-stop” buses that will load and unload at every bus stop to accommodate short-distance travels.

“As of now, what we’re thinking is that the all-stop buses will be able to accommodate those at Bus A stops who want to get off at Bus B stops and vice versa,” Tolentino said in a meeting with bus operators.

The MMDA said more than 3,000 buses ply EDSA daily, and are only allowed to use the two rightmost lanes, commonly called yellow lanes.

With such a bus stop segregation scheme, bus congestion in the yellow lane as well as accidents may be reduced, the MMDA said.

“There won’t be a reason for all buses to fight over one bus stop anymore. Plus, it will increase travel time for our commuters,” Tolentino said. — ELR, GMA News