’Tis the season to mind buses for the MMDA. —NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has started the strict implementation of the so-called “nose in, nose out” policy for provincial bus terminals along Edsa to help ease traffic congestion on the country’s busiest highway, as passenger volume peaks during the holiday season.
“Nose-in, nose out” means that buses must go into and out of the terminal front-end first, instead of backing up or maneuvering on Edsa and causing bottlenecks. The measure should force bus drivers to maneuver or make a turnaround within the terminal itself.
Drivers ignoring the policy will be cited for obstruction and disregarding traffic signs. Each violation carries a P500 fine.
At present, 45 of the 85 provincial bus terminals in Metro Manila are located along Edsa, most of them in Quezon City and Pasay City.
Meanwhile, the MMDA said the number coding scheme for provincial buses will be lifted three days before Christmas and New Year.
MMDA officer in charge and general manager Tim Orbos said relaxing the restriction would allow bus companies to accommodate passengers heading for the provinces for the holidays. Last year, an estimated 10,000 passengers packed the Araneta Center bus terminal alone just before Christmas Day.
Starting 1 p.m. of Dec. 22, the scheme will be lifted for an estimated 3,300 provincial buses. It will remain suspended on Dec. 23, Friday. The scheme is not enforced on Saturdays and Sundays (Dec. 24 and 25).
It will again be suspended on Dec. 29, Thursday, and Jan. 2, 2017, Monday, which was declared a public holiday
The number coding scheme will remain in effect on those dates for other types of vehicles, such as private cars.