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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