DOTC chief: Enforce traffic laws along EDSA

Transportation and Communications Secretary Pantaleon Alvarez yesterday called on local executives of cities traversed by EDSA to be more consistent in the enforcement of traffic laws.

Alvarez said one of the main causes of traffic congestion along EDSA is the conversion of parts of EDSA into virtual bus terminals.

"The establishment of the MRT along EDSA has decreased the need for buses plying the EDSA route. Hence, buses move at a snail’s pace just awaiting passengers to fill up their seats," Alvarez said.

He said that although the need for buses along EDSA has decreased, the number of buses has remained steady, thus creating intense competition among bus companies. The slow movement of buses along EDSA, Alvarez said, completely disregards loading and unloading areas. He also cited the lax implementation of the yellow lanes, which are exclusively for buses but are often also used by private vehicles. Buses take too long in the yellow lanes because it is unprofitable to ply their routes with a small number of passengers.

To allow buses to recover from reduced passenger loads, the DOTC has implemented the bus route rationalization scheme. Under the program, buses will be allowed to expand their routes outside their original franchise areas. Bus owners, however, have to apply formally with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to be allowed expanded routes.

Earlier, Alvarez ordered an investigation of a syndicate allegedly providing protection to colorum and smoke-belching vehicles along EDSA.

The LTO and LTFRB have been directed by the DOTC chief to look deeper into the role of a police official suspected of being the mastermind of the syndicate. – Sheila Crisostomo