LET US HAVE MORE BUS-TRAINS OR BUSWAYS

LET US HAVE MORE BUS-TRAINS OR BUSWAYS

In theory, if all bus drivers and passengers were disciplined, there would be no need for guided busways such as the EDSA Carousel. However, reality dictates otherwise. The EDSA Carousel, a guided busway, ensures that buses stay within their designated lanes from start to finish, reducing congestion and improving travel time.

Guided busways exist in many countries, some using cement or wooden rails instead of the metal screens currently in place in the EDSA Carousel. Without such structured systems, chaos can ensue, as seen in places like Guadalupe, Makati, where an undisciplined mix of buses and passengers leads to unnecessary congestion and delays.

Until bus drivers and passengers consistently follow traffic rules, guided busways remain essential. So why do some people want to remove them? Is it because these busways take up road space that private vehicle owners believe belongs to them? Or is it a matter of entitlement—resentment over not being allowed inside the EDSA Carousel lanes?

The EDSA Carousel's success followed a necessary adjustment period, during which rule-breakers had to be disciplined to deter others from attempting the same. The system is comparable to the "Ikot" jeepneys in UP Diliman, which operate smoothly without guideways because passengers and drivers follow the rules.

Similarly, scheduled bus systems in cities like New York operate efficiently without physical barriers. There, disciplined drivers adhere to schedules and routes, and passengers board and alight only at designated stops.

A "bus-train" is conceptually like a commuter train—the primary difference being that buses are not physically connected. Instead, their schedule and orderliness create the effect of a continuous service. This system works best when drivers are salaried employees rather than commission-based operators who compete aggressively for passengers. The chaos in Metro Manila's bus system stems from this flawed commission-based structure, not an inherent flaw in bus operations.

Strong policy decisions, not just infrastructure changes, will resolve the public transport crisis. Are agencies like the MMDA using satellite data to optimize traffic flow? With the right data, AI could help manage and ease congestion.

Successful bus-train projects worldwide show the potential of this system:

·       The Netherlands is leading in electric bus adoption, with over 750 electric buses and a goal of making all new buses emission-free by 2025.

·       London is transitioning its entire bus fleet to zero-emission vehicles by 2037.

·       India’s National Electric Bus Program aims to introduce 50,000 electric buses nationwide by 2030.

·       Chile has one of the largest electric bus fleets outside China, with Santiago expanding its eco-friendly fleet.

·       Germany’s electric bus market continues to grow, with major cities investing in green transit solutions.

Bus-train systems, or Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), can revolutionize urban transport, combining the efficiency of trains with the flexibility of buses. Notable examples include:

·       Adelaide O-Bahn in Australia, which uses a guided concrete track.

·       The guided bus system in Kerpen-Düsseldorf, Germany.

·       Nagoya Guideway Bus in Japan, which runs on a dedicated lane with rail guidance.

If Metro Manila wants to see lasting improvements in traffic and public transport, expanding guided bus-train systems is a logical step. With better discipline, smart policies, and proper investment, we can create a transportation network that is efficient, sustainable, and inclusive for all.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com

03-29-2025

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