EDSA Busway policy violators decreasing, MMDA says

The number of motorists who do not follow the EDSA (Epifanio delos Santos Avenue) Busway policy are on a decline, the Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said.

MMDA Assistant General Manager for Operations Assistant Secretary David Angelo Vargas saw the steep slide in numbers following yesterday’s morning rush-hour operations.

“At around 8:30-9 a.m. last week, we have usually apprehended more or less 60 violators. But today, we have observed that there was minimal number of unauthorized vehicles entering the exclusive bus lane,” he said.

Vargas attributed the reduced figures to the MMDA daily operations against erring motorists as well as the stiffer penalties that were imposed.

“Motorists are gradually obeying traffic rules and regulations in Metro Manila, particularly the EDSA Busway policy,” he noted.

As of 11 a.m. Monday (December 4), 29 road users were caught: 26 of which are riding motorcycles while three are on board cars.

In addition, the official shared that the agency will bolster its campaign against illegal parking along Mabuhay Lanes, which serves alternative route for those who opted not to use EDSA.

Vargas then encouraged the public to serve as a citizens watch patrol to report areas where there are a large number of illegally-parked vehicles. “You can report to us your locations where there are many illegally parked vehicles and we will verify it and coordinate with the local government units before we operate at the area,” he stated.

Further, motorists were reminded to avoid Christmas rush traffic by doing early shopping since there is an expected 20-percent increase in vehicular volume during the holiday season.

Photos from Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

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