The Ultimate EDSA Carousel Guide: Routes, Stops, and Fares

By: Melecio Martin G. Arranz IV

Getting around Metro Manila is possible through various transportation modes. You can drive in your private vehicle, take a public utility vehicle (PUV), or book a ride with a transport network vehicle service (TNVS). You can even bike to your school or office if you’re up for it.

Whatever means of transportation you use, you’ll most likely traverse Epifanio de los Santos Avenue or EDSA to get from one destination to another. The stretch of EDSA connects several municipalities within the metro, that’s why. Though very accessible, the EDSA transportation route can be time-consuming due to the daily volume of vehicles rolling around this major thoroughfare.

Fortunately, there’s a convenient way to explore Metro Manila while beating its traffic, thanks to the EDSA Carousel bus. This public transport system is ideal if you don’t have a car or if it’s affected by Manila’s number coding system.

Whether you’re going north or heading south, you’ll need all the tips and tricks to make your EDSA Carousel bus ride as smooth sailing as possible.

What is the EDSA Carousel?

The EDSA Carousel, also known as the EDSA Busway, is a mode of efficient transit through a bus rapid transit (BRT) that traverses Metro Manila’s streets. It has designated carousel bus stops strategically placed along the route to minimize stopovers along the busy highway.

A dedicated lane separates the EDSA Busway from regular traffic. Its primary purpose is to provide a faster, more efficient means of transportation so that commuters and motorists can avoid the traffic congestion usually spanning from Pasay to Quezon City.

The dedicated lane is used by over 80 bus operators and over 700 accredited public utility buses, catering to the commuting public. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) oversee the EDSA Carousel line in Metro Manila.

Ultimately, the EDSA Carousel provides a smooth, seamless ride for passengers across different cities in the metropolitan area.

Why was it implemented?

The EDSA Carousel kicked off in June 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic as a solution to ease the woes of Metro Manila’s commuters and drivers. The bus system aimed to tackle the strain on limited train capacity brought about by transport restrictions during the pandemic. It provided a lifeline for those who needed to go out, including frontliners and essential workers.

At the time, the program offered free rides but eventually transitioned to paid fares in January 2023 because of budget constraints.

With the EDSA Carousel in operation, the country has revamped transportation options to make travel smoother and more accessible for everyone.

Utilization

Since its inauguration, the line has been bustling, serving around 41,000-60,000 individuals daily, and the numbers continue to climb. The transit saw its highest-ever passenger count on Oct. 24, 2022, peaking at 404,010. In November 2022, the number of commuters using the EDSA Carousel bus reached 130,238,608.

Managing the EDSA Carousel line falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), although there are also third parties that play a part in determining the schedule and fares.

The EDSA Busway operates 24/7, ensuring accessibility for commuters around the clock. However, EDSA carousel operating hours may vary depending on bus companies. While most buses operate from 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM, some extend their services to run throughout the day and night.

For a successful implementation and utilization of this new transportation system, here’s your comprehensive guide to the EDSA carousel route.

EDSA Carousel Routes

If you commute daily, the innovative BRT system can help you navigate key areas of the metro. Here are all the essential details of the EDSA Carousel routes covering Metro Manila.

EDSA Carousel Northbound

Traveling northbound on EDSA is now hassle-free with the EDSA Carousel bus rapid transit system, which features three types of pickup/drop-off points.

Curbside stops are located along the roadside for easy bus boarding, median stops are positioned in the road’s center and accessible via crosswalks or bridges, and terminal stops serve as central hubs where multiple routes converge to accommodate transfers and manage high commuter volumes.

PITX, Parañaque (Terminal)
Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Parañaque (Curbside)
City of Dreams, Parañaque (Curbside)
Macapagal – Bradco Avenue, Parañaque (Curbside)
SM Mall of Asia (MOA), Pasay (Curbside)
Roxas Boulevard, Pasay (Median)
Taft Avenue, Pasay (Median)
Tramo, Pasay (Median)
Ayala, Makati (Curbside)
Buendia, Makati (Median)
Guadalupe, Makati (Median)
Ortigas, Mandaluyong (Median)
Santolan, Quezon City (Median)
Main Avenue, Quezon City (Median)
Mega Q-Mart, Quezon City (Median)
Quezon Avenue, Quezon City (Median)
North Avenue, Quezon City (Median)
Roosevelt, Quezon City (Median)
Kaingin Road, Quezon City (Median)
Balintawak, Quezon City (Median)
Bagong Barrio, Caloocan (Median)
Monumento, Caloocan (Median)

EDSA Carousel Southbound

Nowadays, making your way to the southern reaches of Metro Manila is faster and easier if you know the routes and stops of the EDSA Carousel.

Monumento, Caloocan (Median)
Bagong Barrio, Caloocan (Median)
Balintawak, Quezon City (Median)
Kaingin Road, Quezon City (Median)
Roosevelt, Quezon City (Median)
North Avenue, Quezon City (Median)
Quezon Avenue, Quezon City (Median)
Mega Q-Mart, Quezon City (Median)
Main Avenue, Quezon City (Median)
Santolan, Quezon City (Median)
Ortigas, Mandaluyong (Median)
Guadalupe, Makati (Median)
Buendia, Makati (Median)
One Ayala Terminal, Makati
Tramo, Pasay (Median)
Taft Avenue, Pasay (Median)
Roxas Boulevard, Pasay (Median)
SM Mall of Asia (MOA), Pasay (Curbside)
Macapagal – Bradco Avenue, Parañaque (Curbside)
City of Dreams, Parañaque (Curbside)
Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Parañaque (Curbside)
PITX, Parañaque (Terminal)

Also Read: Number Coding in Manila: An Updated Guide for Motorists

EDSA Carousel Fare Matrix

The EDSA Carousel follows a fare system for southbound and northbound rides.

EDSA Carousel Northbound

There are 19 stops along the EDSA Carousel northbound route. The lowest fare for a 4-kilometer journey or shorter is ₱15.00, while the longest trip from PITX to Monumento costs ₱73.00. The table below displays the entire fare matrix going north.

Source

EDSA Carousel Southbound

The southbound route of the EDSA Bus Carousel, stretching from Monumento to PITX, encompasses 21 stops. Fares range from ₱15.00 to ₱75.50. The minimum fare covers the initial four (4) kilometers at ₱15.00, followed by ₱2.65 for each additional kilometer. See the table below for the entire fare matrix of EDSA Carousel Southbound.

Source

EDSA Carousel Route FAQs

1. Is the EDSA Carousel free?

The EDSA Carousel is no longer free of charge. Due to budget constraints, it transitioned to a paid fare system in January 2023, ending the “Libreng Sakay” program that offered free rides when it launched in June 2020.

2. Can I bring pets on an EDSA Carousel bus?

Pets on diapers can ride the EDSA Carousel bus.

3. Can I use a Beep card on the EDSA Carousel?

Certainly! You can use your Beep cards on the EDSA Carousel for a convenient and efficient experience.

4. How is the EDSA Carousel different from regular buses?

The EDSA Carousel has a dedicated bus rapid transit (BRT) system along the EDSA Busway. This exclusive lane ensures faster, more organized travel than traditional buses holed up in traffic. Plus, EDSA Carousel buses typically offer modern amenities to make your commute more comfortable.

5. Are there specific stops, or can I hail anywhere along EDSA?

The EDSA Carousel follows specific stops along the EDSA Busway. You cannot board or alight a bus outside the designated locations.

6. What time is the EDSA Carousel cut-off?

The EDSA Carousel now follows a 24-hour operation, but the availability of buses may vary, especially after regular working hours.

7. Does the EDSA carousel offer discounts?

Students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) can enjoy at least a 20% discount on the regular fare. The fare reduction is typically ₱12 instead of the usual ₱15 and is applicable daily, including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

Cruise into Urban Convenience with the EDSA Carousel

The EDSA Carousel, or EDSA Busway, presents a game-changing solution for commuters in Metro Manila, offering faster and more efficient travel along the bustling highway. With dedicated lanes and streamlined operations, the system can alleviate the challenges of city congestion, making transportation smoother and more convenient for everyone.

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