DOTr accepts Swedish gov’t offer to improve EDSA busway

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The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has accepted the offer of the Swedish government to help enhance the operational efficiency of the EDSA Busway system.

Jaime Bautista, DOTr secretary, has received the offer of Annika Thunborg, Swedish ambassador to the Philippines, to allow the government of Sweden to explore how to improve the EDSA Busway project.During a recent courtesy call at the DOTr office, Thunborg relayed the Swedish government’s offer to help enhance the operational efficiency of the highly patronized EDSA Busway project that currently offers free rides to EDSA commuters until the end of the year.

Improving the EDSA Busway to be able to accommodate the surge of commuters when face-to-face classes resume this month aligns well with Bautista’s mission to raise the country’s transport systems to global standards, the DOTr said.

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Bautista earlier said the current administration will ensure to provide “accessible, affordable, comfortable, and safe transport service throughout the country” through the use of the country’s transport systems.

In a related development, Bautista and Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian agreed to restart the negotiations for major transport projects during their recent first official meeting.

The two officials discussed the resumption of talks for the major China-funded railway projects such as the Philippine National Railways South Long Haul project of the North-South Commuter Railway, Subic-Clark Railway and the Mindanao Railway (Tagum-Davao-Digos).

Also tackled were several China-Philippines Maritime Cooperation Projects, particularly the hotline communication and legal affairs cooperation arrangements between the Philippine Coast Guard and the China Coast Guard; possible collaboration on Maritime Traffic Safety, Ferry Safety; a memorandum of understanding on Maritime Search and Rescue; as well as the capacity building for maritime governance, safety supervision and vessels safety inspection.

The Chinese government’s funding support for these projects will serve to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance the partnership between the Philippines and China.

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