
In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to enhance commutes for millions of hardworking Filipinos, all EDSA Busway stations will soon be equipped with wheelchair lifts to serve better passengers with disabilities, senior citizens, and pregnant women.
In a press briefing on Thursday, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Marcos tasked the Department of Transportation (DOTr) with installing wheelchair lifts in all stations of the EDSA Busway or EDSA Carousel bus rapid transit system.
“Lalagyan na ng wheelchair lift ang lahat ng EDSA Busway stations para makatulong po ito sa mga pasahero na may kapansanan o PWDs,” Castro said.
The President’s directive to install wheelchair lifts follows another recent development: all 18 elevators located in six EDSA Busway stations became fully operational.
The Palace Press Officer said one of the President’s priorities is to ensure accessibility and convenience in public transportation, especially for vulnerable sectors such as persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and pregnant women.
“Ito ay inanunsyo ng DOTr ayon na rin sa utos ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na pagbutihin ang commuting experience ng publiko,” Castro added.
The Malacanang spokesperson said the government will not incur any expenses for the installation as the project contractor will fund it following negotiations conducted through Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes.
During the briefing, a video showing DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon and Artes inspecting the installation of a wheelchair lift at PhilAm Station in Quezon City was presented.
“Gumagana, maayos, simple, madaling gamitin, i-install natin ito sa lahat ng busway carousel station,” Dizon said in the video.
The EDSA Busway system includes 23 stations—19 of which are median stops in the middle of the road, and four are curbside stops accessible via the sidewalk or pedestrian crossings. | PND