LTFRB bans UV Express vehicles on Edsa

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has prohibited UV Express vehicles from plying Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (Edsa) except when crossing the metropolis’ major and busiest thoroughfare to get to their destination.

The LTFRB announced the ban through Memorandum Circular No. 2016-009 signed on Thursday, which also removed specified routes of UV Express shuttles, allowing them to use the most convenient way for them.

“GT (UV) Express Service shall no longer be required to traverse a specified/particularized route. Henceforth, they may traverse the shortest and/or most convenient route in reaching their end points/destinations, provided however, that UV Express services are not allowed to traverse Edsa, except when crossing the same,” LTFRB said.

The agency said the new circular, which amends Memorandum Circular No. 2009-019, was meant to ease traffic congestion in Metro Manila, which it said had already reached “crisis proportion, particularly along Edsa.”

“It is a matter of judicial notice that traffic congestion in major cities of our country is prevalent, and has become so serious that the economy is affected in no so small way,” LTFRB said.

The circular will take effect immediately after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.