MMDA sets dry run of bus ban along EDSA

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will start next week the dry run of the proposed closure of 47 bus terminals along EDSA, an official announced yesterday.

Starting April 22, provincial bus operators have the option to drop off passengers at the temporary bus terminals set up in Valenzuela City, Parañaque and Sta. Rosa in Laguna, according to MMDA general manager Jojo Garcia.

He said the dry run would take effect until the second week of May.

Garcia said the dry run of the planned closure of EDSA bus terminals would push through despite protests from bus drivers and operators.

He urged bus drivers to join the dry run to familiarize commuters once the ban takes effect in June.

Garcia said they would ask mayors in the metropolis to implement the resolution issued by the Metro Manila Council (MMC) revoking the business permits granted to bus terminals.

The MMC is the policy-making body of the MMDA.

“After the Lenten break, we will ask the local government units to cancel the business permits of the bus terminals along EDSA,” Garcia told reporters.

He said MMDA traffic enforcers would apprehend provincial buses violating the “no loading, no unloading” policy on EDSA starting on Monday.

Violators will be fined P500.

Garcia said provincial buses are not allowed to pick up and drop off commuters along the busiest highway in the metropolis.

Under the franchise issued by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, provincial buses are designed for a point-to-point scheme.

“Pagpasok ng provincial buses sa Metro Manila dapat diretso sila sa terminals,” Garcia said.  

He said the proposed closure of EDSA bus terminals aims to decongest the highway and other major roads in the metropolis.

“It will benefit commuters because travel time along EDSA will be faster,” he said.

Garcia said they welcomed the planned transport strike set by bus companies to protest the closure of bus terminals on EDSA.