MMDA now discussing possible return of Edsa motorcycle lane, says chairman

MANILA, Philippines — The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is now discussing the possible return of a motorcycle lane along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (Edsa), its new chairman said Sunday.

In an interview with radio station DZBB, MMDA chairman Romando Artes said they are discussing where the motorcycle lane could possibly be located along the major thoroughfare.

“Sa mga motor naman, pinaguusapan namin kung dapat nang ibalik at i-implementa muli ‘yung ating motorcycle lanes, at if ever saan sila ipe-pwesto nang tama na hindi sila mahihirapan at makakaiwas din po tayo sa mga aksidente,” said Artes.

(We are discussing if we should designate a motorcycle lane again, and if ever, where it will be located so that riders can be spared from accidents.)

Artes noted that a motorcycle lane could be helpful for motorists, since the “bulk” of road accidents involve motorcycles.

The motorcycle lane along Edsa was previously located on the second lane from the left. However, motorcycles have been free from weaving in and out of the remaining lanes after the leftmost lane became the Edsa busway in 2020.

“Kung [bibigyan] po natin sila ng motorcycle lane, at least isang lane lang sila, although ‘yung pinag-uusapan po, ang kanilang kahilingan ay maging exclusive ‘yung lane sa kanila, which is not feasible as of this time kasi alam na alam naman po natin na kulang na kulang ‘yung ating mga kalsada,” said Artes.

(If we will provide a motorcycle lane, at least they will just travel on one lane, although their suggestion of having an exclusive lane may not be feasible as of this time because we know our roads are limited.)

“Hindi po natin kaya na mag-allocate ng specific na lane na specific sa kanila as of this time pero ganoon pa man, inaaral po natin ‘yan, ‘yung kanilang suhestiyon,” he added.

(We cannot allocate a lane specific for them as of this time, but we are studying their suggestion.)

Meanwhile, Artes also noted that there were fewer vehicles on Edsa on the first day of Alert Level 1 in Metro Manila on March 1, but he said this may not be accurate because it’s just the first day of the lowest COVID-19 alert level.

He said that the volume count of vehicles on that day was at 367,535, slightly lower than the 372,528 volume count during Alert Level 2.

Artes said the MMDA will further study the volume count of vehicles along Edsa in the coming days.

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