MMDA sees 20% spike in EDSA traffic

MANILA, Philippines — Traffic volume along major thoroughfares in Metro Manila, particularly on EDSA, is expected to worsen in the coming days leading to the holiday season, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said yesterday.

According to MMDA Chairman Romando Artes, an average of 417,000 cars daily had passed through EDSA as of Nov. 24, higher than the pre-pandemic level of 405,000 vehicles.

The figure is seen to climb to as high as 430,000 vehicles daily, with the MMDA expecting up to 20 percent increase in traffic volume along EDSA.

The agency also recorded an increase in travel speed along EDSA at 16 kilometers per hour, higher compared to the pre-pandemic speed of 11 kph.

Artes said the EDSA carousel system could be a factor in the increased travel speed along the busiest thoroughfare in the metropolis.

He said vehicular volume in Metro Manila slightly improved after new bridges and roads connecting the North and South Luzon Expressways have opened.

The MMDA will be strictly enforcing the ban on diggings and other road works to help ease traffic congestion in Metro Manila, according to Artes.