The Department of Transportation (DOTr), in partnership with SM Prime Holdings Inc., yesterday broke ground for a state-of-the-art EDSA Busway Concourse in Ortigas which is set to be completed by July this year.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the EDSA Busway Concourse, first to be constructed in SM North EDSA, is a manifestation of the successful partnership between the public and private sectors.
“We will be establishing a convenient access to the EDSA Busway — right in the middle of overlapping transport infrastructure projects,” said Bautista.
Under the partnership, the funding for the design and construction of the concourse will be shouldered completely by SM Prime.
Bautista said the DOTr also partnered with the Department of Public Works and Highways, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the local government of Quezon City in establishing the project with one footbridge each in SM North ED SA and SM Megamall, and a ground station in SM Mall of Asia.
Bautista noted the private sector’s vital support as the DOTr is simultaneously fast-tracking the completion of Metro Rail Transit (MRT) line 7, the Metro Manila Subway project, Common Station and the link between MRT-3 and Light Rail Transit-1.
Other sites will be constructed by D.M. Wenceslao and Associates Inc. for the Aseana EDSA Busway Station, while Double Dragon Corp. will construct the Macapagal EDSA Busway Station, the DOTr said.
The modern and sustainable walkways will facilitate movement between users and will connect them to commercial, business, leisure and employment services within Metro Manila.
The EDSA Busway Bridge with Concourse is an indispensable component of the new EDSA Busway, the DOTr added.
The structure will feature a state-of-the-art architecture with a concierge, ticketing booth and turnstiles for the automatic fare collection system.
Ramps and elevators will also be available to provide accessibility for persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens and pregnant women.
The EDSA Busway Bridge with Concourse aims to provide safe, accessible, convenient and PWD-friendly walkways for commuters and pedestrians approaching the EDSA Busway stations and crossing EDSA from one side to another. – Myla Iglesias
