SM Prime partners with government to ease daily urban commute

SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) is collaborating with government agencies on transport infrastructure projects to improve daily commuting in the Greater Manila Area, using the strategic locations of its malls.

The SM North EDSA Busway Concourse features covered walkways, elevators, escalators and direct access to the busway station to improve passenger flow.

“Urban mobility is central to national development. By working with government, we are able to improve access points that affect commuters every day,” said Jeffrey C. Lim, SM Prime president. “This partnership started during the pandemic, when improving public transport access became a priority. The facilities are now largely in place,” said Lim.

SM Prime is allocating over P300 million to create a direct pedestrian bridge connecting the LRT-2 Antipolo Station with SM City Masinag in Antipolo, Rizal. This covered walkway will offer weather-resistant access between the station and the mall, decreasing transfer times and eliminating the requirement for street crossings.

The project will feature ramps, elevators, lighting, and CCTV systems to enhance accessibility and safety for commuters. Construction is scheduled to start in Q2 2026, with operations expected to commence six months afterward, through a public-private partnership with the Light Rail Transit Authority.

The SM North EDSA Busway Concourse opened to the public in March 2025, featuring covered walkways, elevators, escalators, and direct access to the busway station to enhance passenger flow.

Live traffic data from the MMDA’s AI Traffic Management System can be viewed on certain mall digital directories, helping commuters stay informed about road conditions and plan their routes more effectively. (In photo: MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando “Don” Artes)

SM Prime is implementing the concourse model at SM Megamall, with construction underway and the northbound section expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2026.

In addition to physical infrastructure, SM Prime has collaborated with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to offer commuters real-time traffic updates.

Live traffic feeds from the MMDA’s AI Traffic Management System are accessible on select mall digital directories, enabling commuters to check road conditions and plan their routes more effectively.