C5 eyed as next busway site

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January 27, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — To improve commuting in eastern Metro Manila, C5 Road is being eyed as the next location for a bus rapid transit (BRT) similar to the EDSA Carousel.

The Department of Transportation is looking at the viability of establishing a busway along C5, particularly in Katipunan, as part of the DOTr’s studies on where best to locate BRT systems.

Transportation Undersecretary Mark Steven Pastor said it would be easy to put up a busway on C5 because the DOTr expects to face minimal issues on right of way (ROW).

“We are looking at several sites in Quezon City. The more viable alignment we see now, without ROW issues, is Katipunan. So we are looking at it,” Pastor said.

C5 is one of the busiest thoroughfares in Metro Manila, spanning roughly 44 kilometers through seven cities.

It bridges the northern and southern cities in Metro Manila through the eastern belt.

C5 is also intertwined with congested roads, such as Aurora Boulevard and Ortigas Avenue.

Based on data from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, nearly 239,000 motorists used the Katipunan area of C5 daily in 2024.

However, Pastor said the DOTr may find it difficult to realize the project due to budget shortage, as shown in the allocation for the EDSA busway this year.

The EDSA busway, one of the most congested modes of public transport, received P88.71-million budget for 2026, forcing the DOTr to look at other options to increase funding.

Last year, the busway posted a six-percent jump in ridership to 66.67 million, from 63.02 million in 2024.

To date, the infrastructure is handling the travel of around 183,000 commuters daily.

“Unfortunately, we have limited funding for 2026. So we have to look for other options and explore private partnerships probably,” Pastor said.

The DOTr is also studying the viability of operating a busway between Quezon Avenue and España Boulevard, a thoroughfare used by students from Taft Avenue and the University Belt.

The project is still being assessed by the planning and project development office of the DOTr, as it would require a feasibility study prior to implementation.