The main challenge that the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) faced on implementing the ban on solo riders along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (Edsa) were heavily-tinted cars.
In a press conference, MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia said about 156 vehicles were seen to be heavily tinted passing along Edsa.
He said the agency could not fully determine if the cars had solo drivers or had passengers.
During the first four hours of the dry-run for the high occupancy vehicle scheme, the MMDA has already flagged 2,953 violators.
READ: Nearly 3,000 drivers caught violating ban on ‘singles’ on Edsa
Garcia said having a heavily-tinted car would also limit driver’s road visibility that might cause to more accidents on the road.
He then reiterated his call to the public to engage in carpooling to lessen the number of vehicles along Edsa, particularly during rush hours.
“Kung anong storya niyo inside the vehicle, wala ng pakialam diyan ang MMDA. Basta kung isa ka bawal, kung dalawa pwede,” Garcia said.
The MMDA is targeting a full implementation of the HOV policy by August 23.
‘Driver-only’ vehicles are banned along Edsa from 7 to 10 a.m. and from 6 to 9 p.m. /vvp