Edsa ban on UV Express vans modified; LTFRB sets routes

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has modified its resolution banning UV Express vans from Edsa, as it acknowledged that the restriction may have inconvenienced certain groups of passengers like senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

LTFRB Chair Martin Delgra on Thursday signed a memorandum circular lifting the earlier ban on UV Express vans from using Edsa except when crossing the highway.

Under the new order which took effect on Friday, the LTFRB issued a traffic route which van drivers should follow:

From southern Metro Manila to Makati, they should take the Skyway going to terminals at Dusit Thani hotel, Dela Rosa, Gabriela Silang and other terminals in the central business district.

From Makati, take Arnaiz Street going to Edsa and Magallanes Interchange and to the South Luzon Expressway.

From southern, northeastern (Fairview) and eastern (Pasig, Marikina and Rizal) Metro Manila and going to Cubao, take C5 to Aurora Boulevard and vice versa.

From eastern Metro Manila and C5 to Makati, take Kalayaan flyover to Buendia Avenue. From Makati, take Edsa from Ayala Avenue and turn right to Kalayaan Avenue.

From northern Manila, they are allowed to use Edsa from Balintawak Interchange and drop passengers only at the MRT North Edsa station and LRT Muñoz station. They are, however, not allowed to pick up passengers along Edsa, “provided these drop-off points are within two-kilometer radius from the endpoint terminals.” Vans headed north can use Edsa and exit to Balintawak Interchange going to the North Luzon Expressway.

The LTFRB pointed out that there will be no drop-off or pickup points anywhere else for UV Express vans along Edsa.

The board made the changes following a consultative meeting with van operators on Monday.

Delgra said the LTFRB deemed the amendment necessary “after taking into consideration the factors of convenience of the riding public, particularly of senior citizens and persons with disabilities, and easy access to MRT stations.”