MMDA eyes exclusive truck lanes in Metro

MANILA, Philippines - After extending the modified uniform truck ban until Jan. 5, 2014, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is now eyeing the designation of lanes or roads in the metropolis exclusively for trucks.

Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, head of the MMDA’s Special Traffic Committee (STC), said yesterday the plan aims to ease traffic jams in Metro Manila.

“Pinag-aaralan din with the help of the other cities yung magkaroon ng dedicated truck lanes, (We are studying the idea of dedicated truck lanes with the help of the other cities,” Bautista told reporters after the 11th Asian Crisis Management Conference, a two-day event hosted by the MMDA at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ortigas, Pasig City.

He said the MMDA plans to reopen these exclusive truck lanes in Metro Manila, including R-10 Road which connects the cities of Calooan and Malabon with Manila’s Port Area, and Araneta Avenue in Quezon City.

Bautista said the proposal is being opposed by trucking groups. But he expressed hope it would be accepted after a dialogue.

The MMDA is tapping the expertise of traffic engineering experts from the University of the Philippines on the proposal to have trucks run on dedicated roads, the mayor added.

Earlier, the MMDA extended the truck ban in Metro Manila for six more months.

According to MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, the extension would give the STC enough time to address issues concerning the proposed implementation of a total daytime truck ban in the metropolis to alleviate traffic congestion.

Under the modified regulation, trucks and heavy vehicles with a gross capacity weight of more than 4,500 kilograms will not be allowed on major thoroughfares from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., except Sundays and holidays.

Trucks with perishable and agricultural cargo are exempted from the truck ban.

The total truck ban on EDSA from Magallanes, Makati City to North Avenue in Quezon City will remain in effect the whole day from Monday to Sunday, the MMDA said.