Officials from DOTr, MMDA, DPWH, SM hold a groundbreaking ceremony for EDSA Busway concourse at SM North Edsa which is expected to open within the year. SM will fund 3 EDSA Busway concourses connected to their malls. DOTr urges other private companies to also do the same. Jekki Pascual, ABS-CBN News 

MANILA -- The Department of Transportation said it may privatize the EDSA Bus Carousel operations through a solicited proposal, similar to what it did with the Ninoy Aquino International Airport modernization program.

At the groundbreaking ceremony of the EDSA Busway concourse at SM North EDSA in Quezon City, DOTr Sec. Jaime Bautista said they have received an unsolicited proposal from a big conglomerate to operate the EDSA Carousel.

He did not disclose the name of the conglomerate but asserted that the agency is studying the possibility of having a solicited proposal instead.

“We’re looking at the possibility also of doing a solicited proposal. We have engaged a consultant to prepare the terms of reference katulad ng ginawa natin sa NAIA… para yung terms ay terms na gusto ng gobyerno. Talagang makikinabang ang gobyerno. Makikinabang ang mananakay,” Bautista said.

He added that they are looking to improve the efficiency of the EDSA Carousel, as well as introduce a single standard for buses.

“Dapat magkaroon ng isang standard na dapat ang lahat ng pintuan nasa left side, bumababa ang mga pasahero sa left side of the bus. Gagawin rin natin hindi mataas ang mga steps,” he said.

He does not see fare increases with the privatization of the operations, because he said an efficient system would also bring in more profit for the operator and convenience to passengers.

The decision to proceed with either a solicited proposal or stick with the unsolicited proposal may be announced within the year. In the meantime, Bautista is urging the private sector to follow SM, which is funding three EDSA Busway concourses.

The first concourse will be built at SM North EDSA, while the other two will be at SM Megamall and SM Mall of Asia. The first one is expected to open in 3-6 months' time.

Bautista said other concourses will be funded by the government but he hopes private companies can also join the project.

SM Prime President Jeffrey Lim said commuters can now look forward to better busway concourses, including a concierge, ticketing booths, and turnstiles for the automatic fare collection system.

Ramps and elevators will provide easy access for commuters, including PWDs, senior citizens, and pregnant women, he said.

The Management Association of the Philippines, meanwhile, said it supports the construction of several modern concourses.

The Metro Manila Development Authority, Department of Public Works and Highways, and the Quezon City government have all expressed support for the creation of modern concourses to help the commuters.

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