The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is holding discussions with Double Dragon and Aseana Holdings over its plan to expand the EDSA Busway system with the creation of two more stations next year.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed that discussions are underway, and a new segment connecting España in Manila to Quezon Avenue and another one near the PITX Terminal in the south will be created.
“Yes, in fact, we’re already in talks with (property developers) Aseana and Double Dragon. So, there will be one [station] in Double Dragon and another in Aseana, both located just before PITX.” Dizon said.
The new stations will be completed by next year, boosting ridership that now averages 250,000 commuters daily, according to Dizon. Double Dragon Properties Corp is a listed company controlled by property tycoon Edgar Sia II, while Aseana Holdings Inc. is a subsidiary of D.M.Wenceslao and Associates.
Meanwhile, the proposed busway extension from España to Quezon Avenue remains in the planning stage. It has not yet been included in the 2026 budget, as a feasibility study (FS) must be conducted first.
Funding for the study may be sourced from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Dizon said.
Last week, the DOTR chief, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, House Transportation Committee Chair Rep. Franz Pumaren, and other officials inspected the SM North and North Avenue stations of the EDSA Busway following President Marcos’ directive to make the country’s transport infrastructure more “commuter-centric” and to accelerate the modernization of the EDSA Busway.
According to Dizon, the rehabilitation of the EDSA Busway will begin this year, aimed at making travel easier and more comfortable for daily commuters.
All EDSA Busway stations will be upgraded to match the standards of the SM North station and to ensure a more convenient and pleasant experience for passengers, Dizon said.
