How to Evaluate Dedicated Busway Performance? Transport Planner Lester Jay Ollero Explains at EASTS Conference 2025
- TSE
- Sep 11
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 15
Engr. Lester Jay Ollero, MSCE, a Senior Transport Planner at SafeTravelPH Mobility Innovations Organization, Inc., took part in the 16th International Conference of the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies (EASTS), held in Surakarta, Indonesia, from September 1–4, 2025. With the theme “Harnessing Local Wisdom and Green Technologies for a Sustainable Future in Eastern Asia’s Transport Sector,” the conference gathered transport experts, researchers, and policymakers from across the region to share knowledge and innovations in sustainable mobility.
Engr. Ollero was among the presenters in the Technical Session on BRT Planning, Policy, and Performance, where he delivered his paper titled “Assessing the Network Efficiency and Environmental Impact of the EDSA Busway under Transport and Traffic Measures: A Microsimulation and Mobile Crowdsourcing Approach.” His research emphasized how combining microsimulation with mobile crowdsourced data can help evaluate the network performance and environmental implications of Metro Manila’s EDSA Busway.
The study focused on three key objectives:
Demonstrating the use of innovative data collection tools such as the SafeTravelPH mobile app and onboard diagnostics (OBD) devices to capture passenger data and bus engine performance.
Developing a microsimulation model of the EDSA Busway using AIMSUN to evaluate travel time, delay, and dwell time under various transport and traffic scenarios.
Drawing policy and planning insights to support operational improvements and more sustainable management of the EDSA Busway.
His paper has also been nominated for possible publication in the Asian Transport Studies (ATS) Journal or the EASTS Journal following the conference.
By presenting at EASTS 2025, Engr. Ollero brought Philippine perspectives to the global discussion on transitioning to more sustainable transport by dedicating certain lanes for public transport and reducing reliance on private vehicles. This approach has generated interest, as both commuters and car users are realizing firsthand where resources should be allocated to efficiently move more people. However, the service is still far from an ideal or accessible bus rapid system.
Tune in for an accompanying article sharing the results on his Edsa Busway microsimulation study and discussing opportunities for improvement in this pioneering dedicated infrastructure for public transport in the Philippines. We will also share the latest commuting experience, both in numbers (travel and waiting time) and stories.
