MANILA, Philippines — A mobility group has opposed the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s plan to use the EDSA bus carousel for the planned 42-kilometer EDSA-wide marathon on Independence Day, arguing that the setup still favors private vehicles over commuters, cyclists, and pedestrians.
In a statement sent to The Manila Times on Wednesday, April 15, Move As One Coalition co-convenor Robert Siy criticized the MMDA’s traffic arrangement for the June 12 race. Under the plan, the bus carousel and one regular lane would be used, instead of closing EDSA entirely to private vehicles.
“The proposed arrangements of the MMDA for the marathon reveal that it prioritizes private motor vehicles above all other road users, placing the welfare of pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users at the bottom of its concerns,” Siy said.
He suggested that a better approach would be to close the entire EDSA to private vehicles during the marathon, allowing only pedestrians, cyclists, light electric vehicles, and public transportation to use the highway.
Siy said such a setup would make EDSA safer and less polluted for runners while also promoting fuel conservation.
“Private motorists already have independent means of transport; they can find alternate routes if EDSA is unavailable,” he said.
He added that making EDSA car-free for a day would give Metro Manila an opportunity to explore more sustainable modes of travel.
Siy also noted that the MMDA still has time to revise the plan and turn the event into an opportunity to encourage Filipinos to reduce dependence on fossil-fueled vehicles.
Earlier, the MMDA said the Runrio Manila Marathon on June 12 would utilize the EDSA bus carousel and one lane, stopping short of a full highway closure, in an effort to minimize traffic disruption.
