Adjusted mall hours being studied to alleviate traffic

The Metro Manila Council (MMC) has shared that it is looking into adjusting mall hours to alleviate the continuously heavy traffic in Metro Manila.

Heavy traffic on Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City [Photo Joey O. Razon]

MMC President and San Juan City Mayor said in an interview through a broadcast by DWPH (Radyo 630) that the proposal may direct malls to follow an operating time spanning 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Typically, major malls in the Metro follow a 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. schedule.

Of note, the 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. is usually applied during the Christmas season in order to prevent the “Holiday traffic rush.” Zamora noted that this might be a good idea and that he will be relaying it to the body of the MMC.

“I will relay it to the body. These are the things we can discuss,” Zamora said.

Zamora noted that the proposed adjusted schedule will mean that it might prevent mall-goers from “adding to the rush hour traffic.” Specifically, he stressed the need to arrange mall hours so that it would not overlap with rush hours.

The MMC President further added that his organization and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) have already been informed regarding this proposal and are now studying its effectiveness.

MMC President and San Juan City Mayor Fracis Zamora (left) and MMDA Acting Chairman Romando Artes (right)

Interestingly, Zamora likewise mentioned that May isn’t considered the peak season for malls. On that note, they are looking into whether the 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. mall schedules will be effective considering the circumstances.

Other existing programs the MMDA is spearheading to address the heavy traffic in Metro Manila are its continuous road clearing operations, as well as the usual deployment of traffic enforcers.

Metro Manila's local government units (LGUs) have also begun implementing a new 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. work schedule for its employees.

The MMDA also announced the implementation of Regulation No. 24-022, otherwise known as the “e-bike ban”, but this was since suspended in favor of a one-month grace period.

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