COMMUTERS will soon be able to enjoy a more comfortable, safe, and convenient travel experience along the country’s main thoroughfare with the construction of the Edsa Busway Concourses located at SM North Edsa, SM Megamall, and SM Mall of Asia. The mall’s concourses will complement the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) innovative Edsa Busway initiative to provide safe and convenient access for commuters to the Edsa Busway Stations.
With these concourses, SM hopes to be able to contribute to a more enjoyable, safe, and convenient commute for the Filipino public, who face challenges as they traverse the busy Edsa artery to work, study, and do their daily tasks.
At each of the concourses, commuters can look forward to state-of-the-art design and facilities, complete with a concierge, ticketing booths and turnstiles for the Automatic Fare Collection System which will allow transactions to take place at the concourses before the onboarding of passengers. Ramps and elevators will provide easy access for commuters, especially for persons with disability, senior citizens, and pregnant women.
Inspired by traditional bamboo construction, the new Edsa footbridges aim to create a combination of beauty and function, while keeping in touch with the Filipino identity. Tubular steel frames simulate the flexibility and strength of bamboo; while the flanking planting strips provide openness and greenery, serving as a buffer area between the walkways and the edges of the footbridge.
All of these are covered by a gable roof resembling traditional ethnic bamboo structures. The addition of angled louvers provides further protection from the rains. Pedestrians get to walk through a bridgeway brimming with natural light and ventilation, while unencumbered by the natural elements.
In addition to funding the construction of the concourses and bridgeways, SM will ensure these are properly secured and well-maintained for the safety and convenience of all passengers and pedestrians.
Transportation Secretary Art Tugade together with SM Prime President Jeffrey Lim led the virtual groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of construction at the three SM Malls. Joining them were partner agencies Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Benhur Abalos, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Chairman Atty. Martin Delgra, and busway advocate and Green Edsa Movement Chairman Eduardo Yap who conceptualized the Edsa Busway concourses.
With the Edsa Busway concourses, SM hopes to contribute to the government’s effort to improve the commuting experience of every Filipino through sustainable and inclusive urban transport reform.