Edsa bus lane violations drop as MMDA credits increased fines

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority says that the number of violators using the exclusive Edsa bus lane from Taft in Pasay City to Cubao in Quezon City has decreased compared last week. Photo courtesy of MMDA

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) noted a “very significant decrease” in apprehended violators using the exclusive Edsa bus lane on Monday.

Photo from MMDA

“From around 8:30 am to 9 am last week, we usually apprehended more or less 60 violators. But today, we have observed that there was [a] minimal number of unauthorized vehicles entering the exclusive bus lane,” he said in a press release.

MMDA assistant general manager for Operations Assistant Secretary David Angelo Vargas observed the lower number of violators during morning rush hour operations from Taft in Pasay City to Cubao in Quezon City.

As of 11 a.m., the total number of apprehensions was 29, of which 26 were motorcycles and 3 were cars.

Vargas attributed the lesser number of violators to the daily operations of MMDA in the busway.

He added that the implemented higher fines effectively discouraged motorists from using the exclusive lane.

“Motorists are gradually obeying traffic rules and regulations in Metro Manila, particularly the Edsa busway policy,” Vargas said.

READ: Stiffer penalties for Edsa bus lane violators by Nov. 13 — MMDA

On the other hand, Vargas said that the agency will strengthen its anti-illegal parking operations, particularly along Mabuhay Lanes.

Mabuhay Lanes are alternative routes for those who want to avoid Edsa.

READ: MMDA: Convoys of 5 gov’t VIPs can use Edsa bus lanes

He also urged the public to become “watch patrols” and report areas with many illegally parked vehicles.

“You can report to us your locations where there are many illegally parked vehicles, and we will verify it and coordinate with the local government units before we operate in the area,” Vargas said.

Furthermore, Vargas reminded commuters to avoid Christmas rush traffic by shopping at an earlier date or time.

He noted an expected 20 percent increase in vehicular volume during the holiday season.