The Move as One Coalition has flagged that the Department of Transportation’s proposed 2027 budget allocates zero funding for EDSA busway service contracting and fuel subsidies for transport drivers. The coalition is questioning the absence of these items in the budget proposal. The EDSA busway carries up to 300,000 passengers daily, including many Quezon City residents who rely on it for commuting. Zero funding could threaten the continuity of service contracting and fuel subsidies, potentially affecting busway operations and driver livelihoods. The funding gap appears in DOTr’s proposed 2027 national budget, which will still undergo congressional deliberations. Commuters and transport groups should monitor budget hearings for possible restoration of funds or adjustments to busway services.
Background
The EDSA Busway, also known as the EDSA Carousel, is a bus rapid transit system along EDSA that began interim operations in June 2020 and full operations in July 2020. It was introduced as an augmentation to MRT Line 3 during the COVID-19 pandemic and now carries up to 300,000 passengers daily. Service contracting and fuel subsidies are mechanisms used to support public transport operators and drivers under DOTr supervision.
Source: Rappler