TheEDSA Carousel, also known asRoute 1 and formerly and still referred to asRoute E, is abus rapid transit (BRT) system, part of severalbus routes inMetro Manila.[2] It is situated alongEDSA (C-4 Road) and other roads, running on a dedicatedright-of-way called theEDSA Busway, separated from normal road traffic in most of its stretch byconcrete barriers and steel bollards on the innermost lane.[3]
Interim operations began on June 1, 2020, serving as a replacement of the former bus routes along EDSA, acting as an augmentation service to theMRT Line 3 due to the limited capacity restrictions put in place by thegeneral community quarantine in Metro Manila as a result of theCOVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines.[4] Full operations began later on July 1, 2020. Intended to be largely served by bus stops along themedian, some stops are temporarily served by bus stops on thecurbside.[3][5][6]
Epifanio de los Santos Avenue is the main thoroughfare ofMetro Manila.[9] Traffic congestion has always been a concern in the area and since 2007, the MMDA ordered buses to stay on the two right-most lanes of the road.[10] Plastic barriers were later added in 2016.[11]
A proposal for abus rapid transit (BRT) system using funds from theWorld Bank was approved in 2017.[12] EDSA was intended to be the second phase of the implementation of the bus rapid transit system, followingQuezon Avenue.[13] Line 2, known as theCentral Corridor, will be eventually realized as the EDSA Carousel.
Traffic in the EDSA Busway is restricted to authorized city buses, as well asemergency vehicles such asambulances,firetrucks, andresponders to emergencies and vehicles and convoys that have been coordinated beforehand.[14] Enforcement of the Busway is provided by MMDA Regulation No. 20-002, which was signed on July 28, 2020. Public and private motor vehicle drivers that violate the regulation are fined₱1,000 for each offense.[15]
The EDSA Carousel line is distinct from the World Bank-funded BRT project.[16]
On July 1, 2020, the EDSA Carousel line, also designated asRoute E, started its interim operations with a total of fifteen stops in a dedicated bus lane completed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.[17][18]
Proposed privatization and resumption of free rides
Due to the increasing number of passengers as restrictions are slowly being relaxed, volumes of passengers began to increase as well. In the wake of increasing inflation and world market movements affecting currency values, free rides for the EDSA Carousel were announced for the remaining months of then-PresidentRodrigo Duterte's term. UponBongbong Marcos's assumption of the presidency, free rides were extended until the end of 2022, in spite of budgetary concerns.[19][20] However, the free rides introduced problems of ridership capacity and the amount of buses available to serve passengers during rush hours.
Proposals to privatize the operations of the EDSA Carousel to further improve its services were explored.Transportation secretaryJaime Bautista in 2022 stated that the DOTr is open to such proposals, adding these must be "explored expeditiously."[21]
In 2025, Bautista stated that the DOTr aims to turn over the operations and maintenance of the EDSA Busway and EDSA Carousel to a private operator by 2026, with a feasibility study being completed within the next few months.[22]
On February 25, 2025, a day after riding the EDSA Carousel from Ortigas to Monumento, newly-appointed Transportation SecretaryVince Dizon noted several needed solutions and improvements for the operations of the EDSA Carousel. He emphasized the need for a stricter dispatch system along Monumento and PITX bus stations to ensure timeliness and prevent bus congestion. Dizon also highlighted the lack of wayfinding in stations connected to the MRT-3, faulty timers in some stations, unsuitable railing stops, and broken elevators.[23]
Because of these planned upgrades, the proposals to privatize the EDSA Carousel were postponed to 2026 or 2027 to allow for the construction of the new concourses in all existing stations as part of the long-term proposals to modernize the system.[24][25] Dizon also announced that the rehabilitation of stations would begin later in 2025, starting with the first phase involving the renovation of the Monumento, Bagong Barrio, North Avenue, and Guadalupe stops.[26]
Since the line's opening in June 2020, the total ridership of the line was 130,238,608 commuters within June 2020 to November 2022. From June to December 2020, total ridership has reached a daily average 41,000 to 60,000 passengers,[27] and continued to rise throughout 2021, wherein the daily average of commuters using the line is 129,000 passengers,[28] with its highest record reaching 160,000 passengers in June 2021.[29] Total ridership in 2021 reached 47,104,197.[28]
In 2022, the line's highest record reached a total of 404,010 passengers on October 24, 2022, while the average daily ridership through the year is 389,579 passengers. Total ridership also increased to a new record high, as the line served 80,832,186 passengers.[30][31] In 2024, the daily passenger average of the EDSA Carousel for the year reached a total of 177,000 passengers, while the total annual ridership of the EDSA Carousel reached a total of 63,022,953 passengers.[32] In 2025, the total annual ridership of the EDSA Carousel reached a total of 66,669,287 passengers, which is 5.79% higher compared to 2024's total ridership.[1]
The DOTr reported in 2026 that the EDSA Carousel moves up to 300,000 passengers daily.[7]
The line initially had 15 bus stops on its interim launch,[17] with additional stops added in the following months.[33][34] As of March 13, 2025[update], 24 bus stops are currently operational.[35] There are 87 operators and 751 authorized buses that serve the entire route.[31]
Selected stops of the Busway also runs parallel to theMRT Line 3 and the northern section of theLRT Line 1. Plans are also underway to expand the Busway system by improving the accessibility and connectivity on various bus stops to nearby transport networks.
The line utilizes existing pedestrian footbridges alongEDSA by constructing additional stairways to the center island of EDSA. It also uses some stations of theMRT Line 3 andLRT Line 1 by making use of the train stations' emergency exit stairways.[33] Some bus stops, such as the ones at Ayala (northbound), SM Mall of Asia, and Macapagal Boulevard, still use the existing stops on the curbside, while the southbound Ayala bus stop is located insideOne Ayala.[46][47] Unlike those along EDSA, stops along Macapagal Boulevard are unmarked.
On November 16, 2020, theDepartment of Transportation (DOTr) signed an agreement withSM Prime Holdings, DM Wenceslao and Associates Inc., andDouble Dragon Properties Corp. for the construction of EDSA busway bridges. The bridges will be shouldered by the three companies, seeking to provide safer, convenient, andPWD-friendly walkways for the riding public using the EDSA Carousel stops, and for pedestrians crossing EDSA.[48] The pedestrian bridges were conceptualized withconcourses, concierge, ticketing booths, andturnstiles for the automated fare collection system. Ramps and elevators would also be available to provide accessibility for PWDs, senior citizens, and pregnant passengers. The structures will be strategically located at theSM Mall of Asia,SM North EDSA,SM Megamall,Macapagal Boulevard inAseana City and the corner of EDSA andMacapagal Boulevard.[48][49] The groundbreaking ceremony for the EDSA Busway Concourse Project was held on May 18, 2021. It was expected to be completed in March 2022,[49] but no updates have been announced since then.
On June 20, 2022, the DOTr announced an additional 11 more stops would be added to the EDSA Carousel, which would bring the total number of stops to 29.[50] The Tramo, Taft Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, Kamuning and Philam (Ormoc) stops have since been completed.[51]
In June 2025, the DOTr stated that the controversialKamuning Footbridge will be rebuilt with direct access to the Kamuning bus stop of the EDSA Carousel.[52]
In November 2025, the DOTr announced the opening of bidding for proposed median bus stops in Cubao, Magallanes, and PITX.[53]
The proposed Connecticut, Greenfields, and Estrella stops still remain under consideration, as the location, funding, and feasibility studies are yet to be determined and conducted.[54]
The SM North EDSA busway station features the busway's first concourse.
In 2024,SM Prime and Transportation secretary Jaime Bautista inaugurated the first busway concourse of the Busway route, located alongSM North EDSA. The upcoming concourse is the first among three EDSA Carousel Concourse project, which was once part of theBuild! Build! Build! project.[55] Other busway concourses being planned are located along the Ortigas bus stop, located acrossSM Megamall, the Roxas Boulevard bus stop, which is located across the DoubleDragon Plaza, and the Macapagal – Bradco Avenue (DFA) bus stop, in collaboration with DM Wenceslao.[55] Each concourse will feature a concierge, ticketing booths and turnstiles for the automatic fare collection system.[56]
On February 25, 2025, during his first press conference in office as the newSecretary of Transportation, SecretaryVince Dizon noted that the DOTR will model and replicate the implementation of the busway station concourses made in partnershipSM Prime alongSM North EDSA and the upcoming Ortigas Busway concourse through the construction of similar busway concourses. The bidding of the construction of additional concourses in all existing busway stations in May 2025, while the construction of the concourses are aimed to begin within the second half of 2025 and is aimed to be completed within 2026 to 2027.[23][24]
Wheelchair ramp at Philam QC bus stop, which became viral in July 2024 for its steepness
On October 1, 2020, the "NoBeep card, No entry" policy was implemented to minimize physical contact between commuters and public transport personnel to reduce their risk of gettingCOVID-19 and to allow for more seamless and faster transactions to trim down the queuing of passengers. The new policy has drawn flak from commuters due to the current price of the card and its immediate implementation.[57] Within the first week of its implementation, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) suspended the mandatory use of Beep cards after AF Payments Incorporated refused the government's request to waive the₱80.00 cost of Beep cards.[58]
When the bus stops from Monumento to North Avenue were opened, the U-turn slots were closed, causing heavy traffic at the said portion.[59] U-turn slots were reopened after few months to ease traffic flow.[60] In November 2021, traffic lights were installed at the U-turn slots to address concerns both of the bus accessibility and the traffic congestion it causes.
On April 13, 2022, the EDSA Carousel failed to keep up with the influx of demand as a result of theLRT-2 andMRT-3 being closed for annual Holy Week maintenance from April 13 to 17.[61] As a result, many commuters were stranded as queues overflowed onto roads, with some waiting past midnight or opting to walk home.[61] The shortage of buses was attributed to slow service contracting subsidies and high gasoline prices.[62] Skip buses were deployed, and some motorists offered rides to stranded commuters. However, intensified anti-colorum operations hindered rescue attempts. The next day, Transportation secretaryArthur Tugade issued a formal apology and promised to prevent such incidents in the future.[62]
The MMDA reported that newly installed glass elevators at the Balintawak and Guadalupe stops were found shattered bystone-throwers during their installation between April and June 2024. The elevator at Bagong Barrio was also found with its wiring pulled out. In response, the MMDA appealed to the public not to destroy the elevators and stated that the destroyed equipment was replaced by the contractor free of charge.[63][64]
On July 16, 2024, a photo of a steep ramp at the new Philam QC bus stop went viral for being unfriendly forpeople with disabilities (PWDs). The next day,GMA Integrated News reported that the ramp was 10 degrees steeper than the standard stipulated by the Accessibility Law (Batas Pambansa Blg. 344). A wheelchair user also found the ramp "too steep to use going up and too dangerous to use going down." The MMDA explained that the design was constrained by a height restriction under theMRT Line 3 and admitted it was "not perfect." They will assign personnel to assist PWDs using the ramp.[65] On July 20, they announced the ramp's temporary closure for improvements.[66]
On several occasions, there have been calls and proposals to either abolish the EDSA Carousel and the EDSA Busway or to open up the busway to private vehicles, with different desired outcomes:
In July 2023, the Mega Manila Consortium requested the government to reinstate pre-pandemic city and provincial bus routes along EDSA, arguing that the rationalization of bus routes in Metro Manila had left many buses unused. The MMDA opposed the proposal, withMMDA chairpersonRomando Artes emphasizing that the government has made significant financial investments in developing the system and that the EDSA Carousel was "very effective" at cutting down travel time.[67]
In August 2024,Leyte 4th district representativeRichard Gomez opined on Facebook that the EDSA Busway should opened to regular traffic, arguing that "only a few buses use [it]".[68] His statement drew backlash online, causing Gomez to delete the post but issue a follow-up statement the next day, defending his comments as his own personal opinion.[69]
In February 2025,DILG secretaryJonvic Remulla and MMDA chairperson Romando Artes floated the idea of phasing out the EDSA Busway and eliminating city buses from EDSA, citing that it would be "redundant" with the projected increase in the MRT-3's capacity. In addition to the idea, Artes also proposed converting the bus lane into ahigh-occupancy vehicle lane, while denying that his proposal wascar-centric.[70][71] The suggestion drew public outcry, causing the DOTr to issue a statement defending the importance of the EDSA Busway and affirming its commitment to improve the system.[72] Days later,DOTr secretaryJaime Bautista announced that President Marcos, during a cabinet meeting, endorsed keeping the EDSA Busway.[22] Furthermore, Bautista's successor,Vince Dizon, opposes the abolishment of the EDSA Busway.[73]
In January 2026, MMDA general managerNicolas Torre proposed allowing "high-occupancy vehicles" with ten or more passengers to use the EDSA Busway. The DOTr opposed the proposal, with Transportation secretaryGiovanni Z. Lopez stating that opening the busway to private vehicles could slow down bus operations and undermine the lane's purpose of prioritizing mass transit. Days later,Malacañang supported the DOTr's position and clarified that Torre's proposal reflected his personal opinion rather than an official MMDA proposal.[74] In a press conference, MMDA chairperson Romando Artes stated that Torre's idea needs further study and discussion, citing logistical issues with implementation and compliance, as well as reservations from the LTFRB.[7]
In a span of two years since the implementation of the EDSA Busway and the start of EDSA Carousel operations, multiple road crashes have been recorded within and outside of the EDSA Busway.[75]
Multiple instances of motor vehicles crashing into the concrete barriers of the EDSA Busway were recorded since the EDSA Carousel's operations started. According to MMDA traffic czar Edison Nebrija, most of the drivers who crashed their vehicles against the barriers were speeding, drunk, or asleep behind the wheel. Some of the concrete barriers have already been replaced with steel bollards following a series of accidents.[76]
Several road-related deaths and injuries have also been reported on the EDSA Busway itself due to collisions between buses and other legal and illegal vehicles, as well asjaywalking incidents.[75]
In light of this, the Move As One Coalition, a non-government transport advocacy organization, urged the government to implementat-grade crosswalks andspeed limits, widen the EDSA Busway lanes, use safer barriers and BRT-compatible buses, and conduct proper training for bus drivers.[75]
EDSA Busway violators being apprehended by InterAgency Council on Traffic (IACT) enforcers inPasay.
Multiple incidents of private and non-emergency government motor vehicles illegally using the EDSA Busway have been recorded, causing disruptions to EDSA Carousel operations.
Aside from EDSA Carousel buses and other authorized city buses, ambulances, firetrucks, and military vehicles responding to emergencies (but not returning to base), and vehicles of the top five government officials (i.e.,President,Vice President,Senate President,House Speaker, andChief Justice) are the only allowed vehicles on the EDSA Busway. Any drivers who violate the exclusive lane policy face apprehension, ticketing, and possible revocation of their driver's license.[77][15]
During the first month of operations in 2020, the MMDA reported that over 900 violators were apprehended and ticketed, with half of them being government personnel.[78]
On July 20, 2023, photos of asting operation conducted by the Inter-Agency Council on Traffic enforcers went viral online as over 150 motorists were apprehended and ticketed for illegally using the EDSA Busway in Pasay. The DOTr and MMDA issued a reminder to motorists to respect the exclusivity of the EDSA Busway.[79]
According to the MMDA, some motorists were taking advantage of the₱1,000 fine for trespassing on the busway by offenders who could afford regularly paying it. As a result, the MMDA issued MMDA Regulation 23-002, increasing fines for both public and private vehicles.[80]
As of November 13, 2023, the fines for illegally trespassing the EDSA Busway are as follows:[81]
First offense -₱5,000
Second offense -₱10,000 with a one-month suspension ofdriver's license and mandatory road safety seminar
Third offense -₱20,000 with a one-year suspension of driver's license
Fourth offense -₱30,000 with a recommendation to theLand Transportation Office for the revocation of driver's license
The new fines came into effect through the passing of Metro Manila Council Resolution 23-002. Any driver who attempts to flee from officers automatically incurs a third offense.[80]
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Media related toEDSA Carousel at Wikimedia Commons
