Clock ticking for buses on EDSA choke points

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has started installing bus stop timers at traffic choke points along the major thoroughfares as a means to prevent gridlocks.

MMDA Executive Director for Traffic Angelito Vergel de Dios also directed all of traffic enforcement personnel to intensify apprehensions of the public utility buses (PUBs) that slow down traffic at the stops.

De Dios pointed out that the first of these timers has been installed at the SM Megamall Building-A area along the northbound lane of EDSA.

The timer is similar to a traffic signal light which prompts vehicles to either stop or go. An average of 40 seconds is given to PUBs to stop at the loading and unloading bay at the area before they are required to move out.

After the first batch has left, then the next batch of buses would be allowed to park at the bay for another 40 seconds.

De Dios said he has deployed a significant number of traffic enforcers at the pilot area to ensure that the buses comply with the rules.

The enforcers were tasked to ensure that the buses are lined up properly and that they move out of the bay after the prescribed period of time.

"I have instructed them (enforcers) to immediately issue traffic violation receipts (TVRs) to drivers who violate the rule," De Dios said.

He stressed that strict orders were given to the enforcers to avoid lengthy discussions with apprehended drivers so that traffic would not be held up.

As a rule, the traffic enforcers are required to complete the entire transaction within two minutes.

If a driver refuses to surrender his license, enforcers will mark it down on the TVR.

On top of this, enforcers can also call for a tow truck to haul the erring bus out of the road depending on the situation.

Apart from the Megamall, the MMDA is also eyeing the installation of bus stop timers at the SM North EDSA area in Quezon City and the north and southbound lanes of EDSA-Guadalupe in Makati City. – Marvin Sy