Bus scheme eases EDSA traffic, discourages provincial runs

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando’s scheme to control the number of public utility buses (PUVs) on EDSA has so far succeeded in decongesting traffic in the 26-kilometer superhighway.

However, the Organized Bus Route (OBR) has significantly affected provincial bus operations since there are reportedly fewer units wanting to ply the Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon (Calabarzon) to Manila route.

The scheme, observers noted, has discouraged provincial buses from ferrying passengers to Makati, Quezon City and Caloocan City since they are not allowed to load and unload passengers along EDSA.

Provincial bus line operators stand to earn less because of the strict implementation of a terminal-to-terminal policy as soon as their units enter Metro Manila.

The Star received reports that since OBR’s full implementation last Monday, Calabarzon commuters have been finding it hard to get a ride.

MMDA General Manager Robert Nacianceno, in an interview, said this appears to be a result of the agency’s drive against colorum buses and its campaign against stubborn drivers who violate "no loading and unloading" rules.

He said they have received information that at least two provincial bus companies have ceased or cut down operations because of the OBR.

Nacianceno said their units are most likely colorum since the MMDA’s scheme effectively identifies and prevents unauthorized buses from using EDSA.

He stressed, however, that the OBR scheme does not intend to cripple provincial bus operations and leave Calabarzon commuters stranded.

"The system simply seeks to put things in order and improve traffic on EDSA.

Legitimate provincial buses are not affected by the OBR. They are not even required to register. Obviously, those refusing to ply their routes are either colorum or violators of the terminal-to-terminal rule," Nacianceno explained.

MMDA Deputy Chairman Cesar Lacuna said the agency would still have to verify the reports.

He said the more important thing now is that EDSA traffic is better as observed by motorists in the last three days.

"Nakikita at nararamdaman na ngayon ng publiko natin na lumuwag ang EDSA and this is our primary goal, Lacuna said. "But this is still just an early assessment."

He said the MMDA will come up with a report on how the OBR scheme fared during its first week of implementation to determine the strong points and areas that need improvement.

Implementation of the OBR has led to the impounding of some 28 buses for being untagged, unregistered for the scheme, or for being colorum units.

The system has also disciplined bus drivers and conductors since they are required be in uniform and in shoes before their buses are cleared for dispatch.