The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced that it has granted a two-week dry run that allows provincial buses to traverse EDSA from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Provincial buses can now use EDSA
This follows the expiration of the IATF Resolution No. 101 on uniform travel protocols. It requires provincial buses to use Integrated Terminal Exchange to likely monitor commuters going in and out of the National Capital Region (NCR) amid the health crisis. Also, provincial buses are argued as some of the main causes of traffic, hence the outgoing ban.
“The DOTr and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board gave the green light to allow provincial buses to ply EDSA,” said MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando Artes
The announcement was made at the MMDA Traffic Summit at the Novotel Manila, Quezon City on March 24, 2022. Led by MMDA Chairman Atty. Artes, representatives from the multi-sectoral stakeholders have signed a pledge of commitment to improving public and private transport.
MMDA commits to improving the transport sector
With the NCR’s shift to Alert Level 1, the government agency is aware that it has to ramp up its traffic management. Proposals such as the reimplementation of the truck ban policy and the expansion of the number coding scheme are being considered. If the latter will be enacted, the number coding could be effective during morning rush hour as well.
“We will conduct a series of consultations to further improve traffic management in Metro Manila. Rest assured that we will thoroughly study the proposed solutions and we will address the concerns of the commuters and transport sector,” said Artes.
“The MMDA cannot do it alone. We need your help – the different government agencies, private sectors, academe, and transport organizations in developing measures to ease congestion, as well as provide better transport management in the region,” said MMDA Assistant General Manager for Planning Jose Campo.
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