MMDA to put up traffic mitigation measures reduce holiday traffic

To help curb the anticipated heavy traffic in time for the Christmas season, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) bared its latest traffic mitigation measures that has gained support of stakeholders.

Per MMDA Chairman Romando Artes, the remedial measures are set to be employed as vehicle volume in the National Capital Region (NCR) increases during the holidays.

According to the data from the MMDA Traffic Engineering Center, around 421,000 vehicles are driving along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) daily as of September 24.

Below are the MMDA’s procedures to be implemented in time for the holiday season:

• Temporary suspension of all road right-of-way excavation activities in Metro Manila

The said suspension of roadworks — which will take effect by midnight of November 18 until midnight of December 25 will include road reblocking works, pipe-laying, road upgrading and other excavation works.

However, the government's flagship projects, DPWH bridge repair and construction, flood interceptor catchment projects, emergency leak repair — among others — will be off the hook from the said moratorium.

• Shopping mall operators to present traffic management plans

Mall operators must submit their respective plans to address traffic situations for their events at least two weeks before the scheduled programs.

• Malls in Metro Manila to be opened by 11 a.m.

From November 18 up to Christmas Day, mall operators shall open an hour late from the usual 10 a.m. while its closing will be subject to the commercial establishments’ discretion.

“But we encourage them to extend to give the public more time to do their errands and last-minute shopping,” Artes was quoted as saying.

Out of the 131 malls that are found in Metro Manila, 29 are located along EDSA.

• Prohibition of mall-wide sales

However, MMDA clarified that sale on specific stores or outlets inside the mall may be allowed (even on weekdays) provided that no announcement, advertisement or tarpaulin are posted.

• Deliveries of goods limited to nighttime

Excluding perishable goods like food and ice, the agency said that all deliveries need to be done from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following day.

Relatedly, Artes said the MMDA will request before the Department of Transportation for the lengthening of the public transport system's operating hours — especially the EDSA Bus Carousel, Light Rail Transit and Metro Manila Railway Transit, to be of service to late-night commuters and mall employees.

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