EDSA Bus Lane violators decrease due to stiffer penalties, MMDA says

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said that the number of EDSA Bus Lane violators has been decreasing significantly. 

EDSA Bus Lane

MMDA Assistant General Manager for Operations Asec. David Angelo Vargas shared that the agency has registered a significant drop in apprehensions concerning the unauthorized use of EDSA Bus Lane. Vargas cited that the MMDA recorded a minimal to zero number of unauthorized vehicles driving through the exclusive bus lane during the morning rush hour last December 4.

“At around 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. before, we were usually apprehending 60 violators but now, we have observed that there was a minimal to zero number of unauthorized vehicles entering the exclusive bus lane,” Vargas said.

Vargas said that the higher penalties for EDSA Bus Lane violators contributed to the significant drop in erring motorists using the said exclusive lane. He also attributed the MMDA’s consistent daily operations in apprehending unauthorized vehicles who drive through the exclusive EDSA Bus Lane as one of the reasons for the decreasing number of violators.  

“Motorists are gradually obeying traffic rules and regulations in Metro Manila, particularly the EDSA busway policy,” Vargas added.

The MMDA's efforts are showing fruition 

For your reference, here is the list of fines under the MMDA Regulation No. 23-002:

- First offense: Php 5,000

- Second offense: Php 10,000 plus one-month suspension of driver’s license, and required to undergo a road safety seminar

- Third offense: Php 20,000 plus one-year suspension of driver’s license

- Fourth offense: Php 30,000 plus recommendation to Land Transportation Office for revocation of driver’s license

MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes previously warned motorists that violators who try to run off apprehension will automatically be slapped with a penalty for the third offense, which is a Php 20,000 fine plus a one-year suspension of driver’s license.

The EDSA Bus Lane is an exclusive lane

Meanwhile, the MMDA has also launched a restructured operations group that aims to further crack down unauthorized vehicles driving through the EDSA Bus Lane. The restructured operations group, called Special Operations Group, is under Vargas and its deputy officer-in-charge Gabriel Go.  

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