The Department of Transportation and SM Prime Holdings, Inc. in May announced the building of three busway concourses along Edsa. The Edsa Busway Concourse project, whose construction has started this month, is located at SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, and SM North Edsa.
These concourses aim to provide commuters a safe and convenient way to board and alight Edsa Busway units. But what else can we look forward to these infrastructures, which are expected to be completed within 10 months?
Ticketing booths, elevators, and more
Each concourse will have a concierge, ticketing booths, and automatic fare collection system turnstiles which will allow passengers to pay for their fares before boarding the buses—like how it’s done at train stations.
Ramps and elevators are included in the design to provide easy access for commuters, especially persons with disability, senior citizens, and pregnant women. There will be access bridge facilities near the three SM Supermalls.
In addition to funding the construction of the concourses and bridgeways, SM says it will ensure security and maintenance for the safety and convenience of passengers and pedestrians.
Traditional bamboo design
Based on the proposal of busway advocate and Green EDSA Movement chairman Eduardo Yap, the concourses will feature a blend of functionality, aesthetics, and “green principles”.
With traditional bamboo construction as inspiration, 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.
The structures will be covered by a gable roof resembling traditional ethnic bamboo structures. The angled louvers provide further protection from the rains. Pedestrians get to walk through a bridgeway with natural light and ventilation, while unencumbered by the natural elements.
