Since the launch of the EDSA Carousel in June 2020, the public’s response to the service has been diverse. In relation to this, Capstone-Intel Corporation conducted an analysis to assess the public’s perception of the service in terms of its convenience and reliability.
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Background
EDSA Carousel, also known as the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue Carousel, is a unique transportation system in the Philippines. It is a dedicated bus lane that runs along the length of EDSA, one of the busiest and most congested highways in Metro Manila. The EDSA Carousel aims to provide a more efficient and reliable means of public transportation, while also reducing traffic congestion and promoting sustainable mobility in the city.
The EDSA Carousel operates similarly to a tram system, with designated stops and dedicated lanes exclusively for buses. It utilizes a median busway, separating the buses from the regular lanes of traffic, allowing for faster and smoother travel. The system is complemented by modern bus stations equipped with comfortable waiting areas. Passengers can easily access the Carousel through designated pedestrian crossings and elevated walkways, ensuring convenient connectivity between the bus stations and nearby buildings or transportation hubs. The EDSA Carousel is also integrated with other modes of public transportation, such as the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and other bus systems, providing seamless transfers for commuters.
However, despite its numerous advantages, there have been complaints from individuals with disabilities and senior citizens with limited mobility regarding the accessibility of the EDSA Carousel. Some have expressed difficulties in accessing the stations and navigating through the system due to the lack of appropriate facilities for persons with disabilities (PWDs) or the elderly.
The implementation of the EDSA Carousel has had a significant impact on improving the daily commute experience for thousands of Filipinos. With reduced travel times and improved reliability, it has become a preferred mode of transportation for many who previously relied on private cars or other modes of public transportation. The system has also helped alleviate traffic congestion along EDSA, as more people opt for the convenient and efficient public transportation offered by the Carousel. In the long run, the EDSA Carousel is expected to contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly transportation network in the Philippines, reducing carbon emissions and promoting a greener future for the country.
Methodology
The research was conducted by Capstone-Intel from November 28, 2022, to November 28, 2023. Throughout this study, the agency employed social listening tools to analyze publicly accessible Facebook pages for posts referencing the keyword “EDSA Carousel.” It is important to emphasize that no specific demographic information or personal data was gathered or monitored as part of this research.
Reaction distribution
From a cumulative count of 224,762 reaction posts, it was observed that 134,667 (59.92%) received Likes, 58,927 (26.22%) elicited Haha, 16,742 (7.44%) Love, 9,776 (4.35%) Sad, 3,101 (1.38%) Wow, and 1,549 (0.69%) generated Angry reactions. These findings indicate that when the Love and Like reactions on Facebook are combined, it reflects a positive response from the public.
Top posts
The keyword “EDSA Carousel” generated substantial engagement on Facebook pages belonging to news agencies and influential individuals.
The post with the highest number of reactions came from Gadget Addict, receiving 18,722 (56.7%) Haha, 13,603 (41.32%) Like, 365 (1.10%) Love, 88 (0.27%) Wow, 77 (0.23%) Angry, and 63 (0.19%) Sad reactions.
The second highest number of reactions was garnered by MMDA, with a total of 10,624. Specifically, it received 10,143 (95.47%) Likes, 354 (3.33%) Love, 70 (0.66%) Haha, 53 (%) Wow, 4 (0.49%) Angry, and 0 (0%) Sad reactions.
The third highest number of reactions was observed on the Inday Sara Duterte page, where it received a total of 6,632 reactions. It obtained 4,371 (65.91%) Likes, 2,199 (33.16%) Love, 46 (69%) Wow, 15 (0.23%) Haha, 1 (0.01%) Angry, and 0 (0%) Sad reactions.
