Dry run for double-decker bus held on EDSA

MANILA, Philippines - This bus is air-conditioned, equipped with closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and comes with free Wi-Fi, a VIP lounge where passengers can enjoy singing on a karaoke machine, a refrigerator and a restroom.

The government and a tourist bus charter firm held a dry run of the point-to-point (P2P) double-decker bus service along EDSA yesterday.

The double-decker bus traveled non-stop from SM City North EDSA in Quezon City to Glorietta 5 in Makati City.

So far, there are 15 “premium” P2P buses, all operated by Froehlich Tours. The firm said it applied for a permit to operate double-decker buses last Tuesday. It has at least seven in its fleet.

The P2P bus service was launched last month. Since the buses do not make stops along the route, this shaves off around 20 to 30 minutes in travel time, officials said.

Passengers are guaranteed seats and buses depart on a fixed schedule even if they are not full.

The P2P bus service, originally set to end on Jan. 6, was extended by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) until Jan. 31.

It has three routes: SM North EDSA to Glorietta 5, Trinoma to Glorietta 5 and SM Megamall to Glorietta 5 and vice versa.

The SM North and Trinoma routes cost P55 while the SM Megamall route is pegged at P40.

The LTFRB plans to select bus operators for additional routes that would link Makati, Ortigas Center, Alabang and Fairview starting in June.

Operators selected for the P2P service must have buses equipped with an automatic fare collection system, global positioning system devices, CCTV cameras, and free Wi-Fi.

The vehicles should comply with Euro IV emission standards or run on clean alternative fuels.

They must also be accessible to the elderly and persons with disabilities. The buses are required to have low floor height ranging from 0.28 to 0.38 meters, space for a passenger with a wheelchair, and a retractable ramp for easy boarding.