Two MMDA traffic schemes resume today

Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando ordered the re-implementation of the No Contact Traffic Apprehension (NCTA) scheme and the Organized Bus Route (OBR) program along EDSA starting today.

In the agency’s weekly radio program aired over GMA-dzBB yesterday, Fernando said the NCTA and the OBR systems return to EDSA to put order once again in the 24-kilometer highway.

Another MMDA traffic project, the Metro Traffic Ticket (MTT) system, was re-implemented earlier.

A temporary restraining order (TRO) secured by nine transport groups stopped the implementation of all three traffic schemes for over a month.

The transport groups complained that the traffic schemes are unfair means of controlling passenger buses along EDSA and other major thoroughfares.

Under NCTA, MMDA’s photographers will be positioned in designated areas where they can take photos of traffic violators.

The photographs will be used as evidence against erring bus drivers who violate traffic rules and regulations like refusal to follow or use the loading and unloading stations.

Buses violating the OBR, which seek to control passenger buses and keep them in yellow lanes so private vehicles can exclusively use outer lanes, will also be "shot."

Fernando reminded the public that laws are made to put things in order for everyone’s benefit including bus drivers and their operators.

"Ang mga batas natin ay ginagawa para maging solusyon sa mga problema (Our laws are made to solve problems)," he stressed.

Fernando said that before the TRO was issued, the MMDA had even taken shots of vehicles owned by political figures which were caught violating traffic rules.

Vehicles owned by Senators Robert Jaworski and Rodolfo Biazon were caught but they didn’t file complaints but instead paid fines without questions, Fernando said.

Even First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo’s car was once caught on camera violating traffic rules but his driver paid fines and aired no complaints when they received the photographs.

Fernando assured motorists that the MMDA entertains and addresses complaints in proper forums fairly and objectively.

"If a driver finds himself being issued an MTT and he thinks he is only being victimized by an extortionist, he can always call the MMDA for assistance," he explained.

Motorists in these situations may call 136 and a roadside adjudicator will be sent to the area to determine whether a traffic violation has indeed been committed or if a traffic enforcer is only trying to make money. — Michael Punongbayan