MMDA to fine motorcycle riders P1,000 for obstruction

NOT WATERPROOF Motorcycle riders take shelter under an MRT station. —LYN RILLON

Starting Aug. 1, motorcycle riders caught taking shelter from the rain under a footbridge, flyover or a Metro Rail Transit station would be fined P1,000, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Tuesday.

In a statement, acting MMDA chair Romando Artes said that under the single-ticketing system, violators would be slapped the fine for obstruction. “There has long been a law against obstruction. Our agency can implement it at any time or day,” he pointed out in a Facebook post.

While those on motorcycles can stop temporarily by the side of the road to put on their rain gear, they are prohibited from loitering and waiting in the middle of the road until the rain stops, Artes said, adding that this was not only dangerous but could cause heavy traffic.

On July 20, the MMDA told operators of motorcycle ride-hailing applications to impose sanctions on their riders who are caught violating traffic rules.

According to Artes, there are lay-bys along the length of Edsa where motorcycle drivers can temporarily seek shelter.

He said that upon the request of the MMDA, some gas stations in Metro Manila had also expressed willingness to put up tents where people on motorcycles could stop to put on their rain gear. INQ