A better route through the daily grind
Metro Manila has approximately 10 million daily commuters, the majority of whom rely on mass transit, walking or cycling rather than on private vehicles.
Yet, for a metropolis that has a large number of straphangers, it is also notorious for being largely car-centric instead of people-centric, as well as for its inefficient public transport. Every day, everyone is faced with unsuitable pedestrian walkways and overwhelmed trains, buses and jeepneys, just to name a few.
It is every Pinoy commuter’s dream to at least have transport hubs that offer safety, ease and convenience during those arduous daily travels.
MY SM transportation
This is where SM Supermalls steps in, as the major retail and mall giant intends to utilize its spaces to help provide a more seamless experience to commuters through the MY SM Transportation campaign.
SM Supermalls is introducing improved connections through the SM Megamall Edsa Busway Concourse and Pedestrian Bridge and SM North Edsa MRT-7 Link. Mallgoers and daily travelers can look forward to shorter walks to and from transportation hubs as well as well-lit and ventilated access and departure points.
The SM Megamall Edsa Busway Link connects SM Megamall to the Ortigas station of the Edsa Bus Carousel. This is an important entrance and exit point for commuters who are northbound to Monumento and southbound, going to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).
This elevated walkway is fully covered, protecting commuters from the harsh rays of the sun as well as heavy downpours. Accessibility ramps and an elevator make going to the busway more accommodating for persons with disabilities, senior citizens and pregnant women.
Now, commuters have options where to pass through to reach the Edsa Bus Carousel. Prior to the completion of the elevated walkway, one had no choice but to trudge the congested MRT-3 footbridge. The SM Megamall Edsa Busway Link significantly shortens the long, inconvenient walk and allows easier access and smoother commuter flow in the busy transportation hub.
Direct access
The SM North Edsa MRT-7 Link, meanwhile, is being built to provide commuters with direct access to the Common Station that aims to connect the MRT-7, MRT-3, LRT-1 and the Metro Manila Subway Project and surrounding establishments.
Pedestrians can comfortably walk from hub to hub, no matter their destination. This passageway is designed to be fully covered as well, so commuters are guaranteed that they are shielded even from sudden weather changes.
These walkways are done in coordination with the Department of Transportation, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
Reimagining the daily commute
The SM Megamall Edsa Busway Link and the SM North Edsa MRT-7 Link is part of SM Supermalls’ MY SM Transportation, an initiative of the major retail giant to create commuter-friendly facilities around the public’s favorite SM malls.
Under the campaign, SM Supermalls is reimagining the daily commute by building better access to public transportation, therefore making day to day trips around the metropolis safer, more comfortable and convenient for everyone.
