EDSA Busway Operations Back to Normal as Phase 1 Rehab Completed Ahead of Schedule

MANILA, Philippines — Commuters on EDSA can expect smoother travel as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that operations on the EDSA Busway have returned to normal following the early completion of Phase 1 rehabilitation works.

In a statement released Monday, January 5, the DOTr confirmed that the asphalt overlay on the dedicated inner busway lanes—specifically the northbound and southbound sections from Roxas Boulevard to Orense—has been fully completed.

The rehabilitation, originally scheduled for a Tuesday completion, was finished ahead of time on Sunday, January 4. The expedited timeline ensured the busway was fully operational for the first Monday of 2026, coinciding with the influx of commuters returning to work and school after the holiday season.

“Smoother and Faster” Commute

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez lauded the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the swift execution of the project.

“We are grateful to the DPWH under the leadership of Secretary Vince Dizon because they quickly completed the rehabilitation of the busway lane,” Lopez said. “This is great timing because it is back to school and work for many passengers who can be assured of a faster and more convenient trip using the busway.”

According to the transport agency, both bus drivers and passengers reported “smoother rides” and improved travel times along the newly asphalted sections on Monday morning.

Strict Ban on Private Vehicles Remains

Despite the improvements, officials issued a stern reminder that the busway remains exclusive to authorized public utility buses. Private vehicles are strictly prohibited from entering the dedicated lanes.

“Private vehicles are not allowed to pass through the EDSA busway. That is our frequent reminder,” Lopez emphasized.

Personnel from the Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT) remain on high alert to apprehend violators, while the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) continues to enforce its No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) along the thoroughfare.

Phase 2: Nighttime Repairs Only

With Phase 1 complete, the P6-billion rehabilitation project now shifts to its next stage. From January 5 until May 31, repair works will be conducted strictly during off-peak hours—from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.—to minimize traffic disruption. All affected road portions are required to be passable by 5:00 a.m. daily.

The schedule for the remaining works is as follows:

• Mondays to Fridays: Asphalt overlay will be conducted lane by lane (northbound and southbound).
• Fridays to Sundays: Asphalt overlay and reblocking will be done on one lane per bound.

The ongoing rehabilitation utilizes stone mastic asphalt, a material cited by Secretary Dizon as being more durable and water-resistant than traditional asphalt, aiming to provide a long-term solution to the wear and tear on Metro Manila’s busiest highway.