Riders sheltering under flyovers get P1,000 fine

MANILA, Philippines — Motorcycle riders caught sheltering under flyovers and footbridges during heavy rains will pay P1,000 under the single-ticketing system, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) clarified yesterday.

The agency issued the clarification after acting MMDA Chairman Romando Artes announced that the riders would be fined P500 and MMDA enforcers would start issuing violation tickets starting Aug. 1.

Under the single ticketing system, which has been in effect since May, riders will pay a P1,000 fine for obstruction, according to the MMDA.

Artes also appealed to executives of mobile ride-hailing and delivery applications to help the MMDA enforce the ban on motorcycle riders seeking shelter under flyovers and footbridges.

He pointed out while the MMDA could capture violators using closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, the agency could not penalize them since the no-contact apprehension program (NCAP) remains suspended.

“We asked ride-hailing app providers to discipline their ranks, impose administrative sanctions. Instead of a fine, they will require the riders to undergo a seminar or refresher course,” Artes said.

During a meeting with the MMDA last Thursday, representatives from delivery and ride-hailing apps Grab, Angkas, Joyride, Toktok, Transportify, Maxim Rider and Foodpanda pledged to support the MMDA’s policy and apologized on behalf of erring riders.

On the other hand, Artes said managers of gasoline stations were “naturally reluctant” to install temporary shelters for motorcycle riders, but noted that they were “open and willing” to study the MMDA’s proposal.

Gasoline station managers said motorcycle riders might spill over beyond the shelter, blocking gasoline tanks and “hampering” operations, according to Artes.

He also said gasoline station managers fear that the riders might use cell phones at the shelter. Attendants often require motorists to turn off their cell phones while refueling.

Gasoline station managers asked the MMDA to come up with a “definitive proposal” on the specifications for the shelters.

From January to July, 165,652 motorcycles traversed EDSA, higher than 150,847 in 2022, 141,564 in 2021, 107,509 in 2020 and 110,167 in 2019, according to statistics from the MMDA.

Riders could use the MMDA’s lay-by areas found below some flyovers. The agency is currently developing the lay-by areas to prevent street dwellers from staying there, Artes said.