MANILA, Philippines – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is considering designating an exclusive lane for motorcycles along Edsa once the “road diet” initiative pushes through, MMDA general manager Jojo Garcia said on Thursday.
The proposed road diet seeks to fit more vehicles on Edsa by reducing the width of existing lanes to create a new one.
READ: MMDA eyes ‘road diet’ solution to heavy traffic on Edsa
Garcia said the MMDA is looking at the possibility of converting the extra lane into an exclusive motorcycle lane, next to the yellow lanes for public utility buses.
The existing motorcycle lane or blue lane along Edsa is not exclusive, meaning that private vehicles may also access it.
“Even if we narrow the roadways, it is still safe for the motorists,” Garcia told reporters in an interview.
Garcia said that during a meeting with the Metro Manila Council (MMC), mayors and city administrators approved the drafting of a resolution to study the road diet plan.
The agency was tasked to conduct traffic evaluation studies to determine the appropriate speed for the proposed 3.05-meter lanes.
“A technical working group will be created. We shall also invite the stakeholders to know their take on the road diet plan,” he said.
Under the road diet plan, Garcia said two lanes are exclusive to passenger buses, one lane for motorcycles, and three remaining lanes for private vehicles. /gsg