MMDA wants to increase fines up to P30,000 for EDSA Bus Lane violators

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) expressed its intention to increase the fines for motorists apprehended violating the exclusive bus lane regulations along EDSA. The agency wanted to increase the fines since unauthorized vehicles keep driving through the EDSA bus lane.

MMDA wants to increase the fines in regard to violators of EDSA Bus Lane

MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes shared that private vehicles, motorcycle riders, and other automobiles keep using the exclusive bus lane along EDSA despite “constant warnings and reminders.” The MMDA reiterates that the EDSA bus lane is for the exclusive use of Public Utility Buses, ambulances, and marked government vehicles responding to emergencies.  

As such, the agency wants to increase the fines amounting up to Php 30,000 for motorists apprehended in violation of the use of the EDSA bus lane. Erring motorists who constantly pass through the bus lane could also face a suspension and revocation of driver’s license. 

To put things in perspective, the current fine for the violation in regards to the exclusive bus lane regulation is Php 1,000 for each offense. 

“To serve as a deterrent, the MMDA, through the Metro Manila Council, decided to increase the prescribed fines and impose corresponding suspension of driver’s license depending on the frequency of offense,” Artes said. 

The full implementation is yet to be announced by the MMDA

MMDA Regulation No. 23-002 states that the increased fines for the violation of the EDSA bus lane are as follows: 

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 (left)

Artes noted that the agency’s intention to increase the penalty concerning the exclusive bus lane is not “anti-poor nor a money-making scheme.” The MMDA Acting Chairman shared that those who violate the exclusive use of the EDSA bus lane can afford to pay the Php 1,000 fine. 

“Based on our data and observation, there are those who are willing to pay the Php 1,000 fines and violated the exclusivity of the bus lane because they can afford it,” Artes said.

The increased fines are still not being implemented as the MMDA will first conduct information campaigns for public awareness. The exact date for the full implementation of the increased fines is yet to be announced. 

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