Malls to implement new operating hours starting November – MMDA

MMDA meets with the DPWH, mall operators and utility companies to discuss traffic-mitigating measures for the Christmas season.

Malls in the metro would adjust its operating hours starting next month to help minimize road traffic in time for Christmas celebrations.

Following a closed-door meeting on Monday, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Jojo Garcia said in a press briefing that mall operators agreed to open their respective malls at 11 a.m. and close at any time after 9 p.m. beginning November 5, 2018 up to January 14, 2019.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and representatives from utility companies also attended the meeting, as the MMDA anticipates traffic to become heavier, especially along EDSA, as holiday activities intensifies as Christmas and New Year nears.

According to Garcia, apart from malls located along EDSA, other malls located along Marcos Highway, C5-Libis, and Commonwealth Avenue shall also adjust their mall hours this holiday season.

Representatives from SM Supermalls and Robinsons Galleria were present an participated in discussions during the meeting with MMDA.

“Yung hindi po naka-attend dito kasi nagkaroon po kami ng pag-uusap, at the end nag-agree naman lahat ‘no,” he said. “So ‘yung mga hindi naka-attend dito, ‘yung chance niyo po sana na mag-suggest o mag-object wala na po yung chance niyo.”

Garcia also said mall sales will only be allowed during weekends.

“Walang Monday to Friday, during Saturday, Sunday po,” he said.

Garcia also said that mall operators further agreed to deploy additional security personnel to facilitate long lines of vehicles going inside mall parking areas that cause gridlock; remove obstructions on loading and unloading stations within the mall’s vicinity; and limit deliveries of non-perishable goods only at night – from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. – to their malls. /kga