THE PASAHERO group has applauded the government’s decision to once again allow provincial buses to traverse EDSA, calling it a welcome relief for passengers who have been deprived easy access to Metro Manila’s most important thoroughfare for two years.

“It’s a welcome relief for the commuting public who had experienced hardship and inconvenience going to and coming from provinces during the pandemic,” said PASAHERO founder Robert Nazal.

Nazal issued the statement after the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) had announced it will implement a two-week dry run for the return of provincial buses to EDSA starting March 24.

According to MMDA, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) gave the green light to allow provincial buses to pass through EDSA from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. after IATF Resolution No. 101 on uniform travel protocols, which was issued in February 2021, expired on March 24.

Nazal lauded the MMDA, DOTr and LTFRB for finally allowing provincial buses to ply along EDSA.

He said the return of provincial buses on EDSA is particularly important to poor commuters, who do not have their own cars.

“Masasabi natin na ang mga kapus-palad na pasaherong patungo at galing probinsya ang tinamaan ng husto ng pandemya dahil wala silang sariling sasakyan,” Nazal said.

“Dalawang taon din nilang tiniis ang hirap at pasakit ng paglalakbay papasok at palabas ng Metro Manila,” he added.

PASAHERO co-founder Allan Yap noted that under the previous setup, passengers from provinces were required to disembark in terminal exchanges too far away from their destinations in Metro Manila that they were forced to take several rides.

“Aside from the inconvenience and additional cost in fares, passengers were also at risk of contracting COVID-19,” Yap said.

Yap said that allowing provincial buses on EDSA would “help accommodate the influx of commuters following the gradual reopening of the economy and the Lenten rush.”

PASAHERO, also known as the Passengers and Riders Organization Inc., is a non-stock and non-profit organization that seeks to represent the riding public in road, sea, and air, including tricycle operators and drivers all over the Philippines. It aims to address the issues brought about by the mass transportation crisis in the country.

The Commission on Elections had declared PASAHERO as among the party-list groups eligible to participate in the May 2022 general elections.