MMDA: Illegal terminals on Edsa next

THE METROPOLITAN Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) have a new target in their continuing quest to ease traffic on Edsa: Get rid of the illegal terminals for public utility vehicles (PUVs) on the busiest thoroughfare in the metropolis.

During a meeting last week with the Edsa traffic technical working group, MMDA Chair Emerson Carlos said that they would coordinate with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to remove these illegal terminals on top of imposing stiffer penalties on violators.

“We are talking about the illegal terminals of Asian utility vehicles [UV Express taxis] and [passenger] jeepneys found on some portions of Edsa,” Carlos told reporters.

PNP-HPG director Chief Supt. Arnold Gunnacao added that based on their monitoring over the past months, these illegal terminals were located in several areas in Quezon City: Quezon Avenue, Muñoz, Balintawak and Cubao.

According to the MMDA, it will form a composite team with the PNP-HPG to go after the PUV drivers using these terminals which are contributing to traffic congestion on Edsa.

Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, head of the Edsa traffic technical working group, earlier noted that the illegal terminals had disappeared only to return.

Asked what disciplinary measures would be imposed on violators, the MMDA said it would tap the assistance of the LTFRB in coming up with stiffer fines.

Under the MMDA’s list of traffic violations and penalties, loading and unloading on prohibited areas carries a fine of P500.

Gunnacao said they would also deploy more policemen to every intersection on Edsa to ensure order and discipline among drivers.

“Previously, we detailed 10 for every intersection, now we will be deploying 20,” he added.

On top of this, Carlos said that members of the composite team would also be tasked to apprehend “yellow box” violators at intersections which should be kept clear of obstructions at all times.

The MMDA has yet to finalize the penalties for violators although some local government units in Metro Manila usually impose a fine of P500. Makati traffic enforcers, however, charge a P1,000 fine for yellow box violations.