MMDA chief scolds EDSA bus operators

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. gave Metro Manila’s bus operators a tongue-lashing recently because of the traffic jams caused by their vehicles.

Abalos was late for a meeting with the bus operators last Thursday after having lunch somewhere in Makati City. A fuming Abalos silenced the animated bus operators as he complained about the monstrous traffic jam caused by undisciplined bus drivers.

The rampant loading and unloading of passengers along EDSA-Ayala Avenue and Buendia slowed down northbound vehicles as only one to two lanes were left open.

Abalos said that he has gone to the point of personally apprehending obstructing bus drivers on several occasions. It was pointed out during the meeting that the number one reason cited by a recent survey conducted on the causes of traffic jams was the lack of discipline among drivers and pedestrians.

Specifically, public transport, primarily buses, was identified as the main problem along major thoroughfares.

The second reason was the lack of road space followed by the failure of traffic enforcement. According to the bus operators, they find it difficult to hire quality drivers.

They also said that there just are not enough roads available to accommodate the large volume of vehicles in Metro Manila.

As a result of the meeting, the MMDA revealed that it would strictly enforce the "Traffic Discipline Zone" along EDSA where bus drivers will be given little room to violate traffic laws.

The zone includes all of the loading and unloading areas where the 10-second rule as well as the close-door policy is in effect.

An agreement would also be entered into between the MMDA, the bus operators and the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board to intensify the crackdown on colorum buses.

Under the agreement the bus operators will assist traffic enforcers in identifying buses operating without franchises. – Marvin Sy