‘Carmageddon’ on Friday? MMDA says no, it will just be an ordinary day
Updated 9:30 p.m.
MANILA, Philippines — Motorists and commuters may have to bring an extra ounce of patience on Friday as traffic may be heavy on several roads in Metro Manila.
In a Facebook post, MMDA Edsa traffic head Bong Nebrija detailed several events that can lead to traffic build up on the last working day before the midterm polls.
These include the cancelation of the number coding scheme for provincial buses in Metro Manila, motorcades in parts of Edsa, political rallies, and rainy weather.
READ: MMDA lifts number coding for provincial buses on May 10, 14
“Hey guys so here’s what to expect tomorrow: 1st- Lifted ang coding ng provincial buses so there will be more buses on Edsa and many people on the 47 terminals on Edsa in Pasay and Quezon City; 2nd- There will be motorcades in some parts of Edsa and other major thoroughfares tomorrow both in the morning and afternoon,” Nebrija said.
Article continues after this advertisement“3rd- There will political rallies tomorrow as part of the last hurrah of campaign all over Metro Manila. This will affect inner roads that might spill over the major thoroughfares and even on Edsa; 4th- We will have 60% chance of rain in the afternoon (as per iPhone Weather); 5th- It’s FRIDAY (Alam na!),” he added.
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In an interview with INQUIRER.net, Nebrija said he made the post not to scare commuters, but to simply inform them of the events on Friday that may lead to heavy traffic.
“It was not to scare them, I just want to inform them of the events tomorrow so they will not be surprised. Ang hope natin hindi na sumabay ang ulan sa uwian ng mga tao,” Nebrija said.
To avoid heavy traffic, Nebrija advised commuters to follow traffic rules so that roads will not be blocked by stalled vehicles due to violations, and to give traffic enforcers the time to focus on facilitating traffic instead of accommodating traffic violators.
Nebrija said the MMDA will be treating the day like any ordinary day, deploying at least 1,700 traffic enforcers across Metro Manila and over 100 along Edsa.
Nebrija also asked the public to be patient if they are stuck in traffic. /ee
