MANILA, Philippines — Staring April 22, provincial bus operators have the option to drop off their passengers at the temporary bus terminals set up in Valenzuela City, Parañaque City, and Sta. Rosa in Laguna, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Tuesday.
MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia said the dry run of the proposed closure of terminals along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (Edsa) will push through despite receiving protests from provincial bus operators.
Garcia, however, clarified that the bus ban is only “optional” and that provincial bus operators still have the choice not to participate in the dry run, meaning they can still drop off their passengers in their terminals located along Edsa.
While the provincial bus ban is still optional, Garcia still urged bus operators to join the dry run as it would also help them familiarize themselves once the ban is in full effect in June.
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“Kailangang makisama. ‘Di tayo magkakaroon ng perfect dry run kung walang sasali,” Garcia told INQUIRER.net on the sidelines of the MMDA press briefing in Makati City.
[They need to cooperate. We would not have a perfect dry run if no one will join.]
The MMDA earlier said the ban could help ease traffic congestion in Metro Manila. The agency was planning to close 46 terminals for provincial buses and other public utility vehicles (PUVs) on Edsa by June. /je