The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has rolled out new data showing the increase in vehicular volume along EDSA. The government agency recorded 425,890 vehicles on May 22, 2023, which is a 4.93 percent increase over the 405,882 recorded vehicles last July 8, 2019.
The number of vehicles on EDSA on May 22
But despite the increase in volume, traffic seems to be improving as the average speed is faster as per the MMDA. The average speeds of motorists traveling northbound and southbound are 24.98 km/h and 22.46 km/h, respectively. In comparison to data from January 20, 2020, the average speed for NB was 21.67 km/h and 11.02 km/h for SB.
MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes pointed out that effective traffic management along EDSA resulted in faster average speeds. The road regulations formulated by the 17 cities of Metro Manila are also seen as the factors that contribute to the improved traffic flow.
The average speeds along EDSA are improved
One significant improvement is the more stringent implementation of the EDSA bus lane. It has been providing bus drivers with a dedicated lane that doesn’t disrupt traffic flow when they used to swerve to load or unload passengers. Part of this campaign is the opening of the One Ayala Terminal last year, a modernized hub that enables a more effective commuting experience for Filipinos.
The MMDA also plans to address the increasing number of motorcyclists plying EDSA with the Motorcycle Riding Academy program. Scheduled to be opened within the third quarter of the year, the program aims to provide free motorcycle education to participants including theoretical and practical training. The agency is in talks with Grab and Angkas to prioritize individuals who completed the Motorcycle Riding Academy program in their employment process.
The data reflects a good traffic management system
It is a timely program considering the MMDA Traffic Engineering Center recorded a motorcycle volume of 174,934 traversing EDSA last May 22, 2023, which is a 58.79 percent increase over the pre-pandemic period.
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