Express Connect Bus System

The Express Connect Bus System is a joint project of the DOTC (Department of Transportation & Communication), MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority) and the LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board). It just started operations today, March 23, and involves using specially designated buses having only limited stops between Fairview on one end and SM Mall of Asia / Roxas Boulevard on the other end.

The aim of the system is to reduce commuting time between these far-flung locations. This will certainly be a relief for residents of Fairview, Quezon City who have to commute to and from Makati and Manila on a daily basis.

At the moment, this will just be a pilot run slated to last for two months.

Salient features of the system are the following:

• The system will operate from 5am to 9pm daily.
• Buses from various bus companies will be fielded. To date, the units are divided among three routes: E1 (20 buses), E2 (10 buses) and E3 (10 buses).
• Buses are airconditioned (supposedly with free WiFi) and will have the exact same fares as the regular route buses.
• Only 20 seconds per stop, with a bus every 5 minutes (peak hours) or 10 minutes (non-peak hours).

Let's hope the system works as intended.

Sources: Top Gear Philippines, Philstar, Interaksyon, DOTC

Refer below for the routes. Please also check the Express Connect entry under the MMDA Bus Dispatch Terminal in the PUV Terminals in Quezon City section for other details and Google Map location.

Consolidated route infographic

Route E1

Route E2

Route E3