MMDA defends organized bus route scheme

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday defended the upcoming full implementation of its organized bus route (OBR) scheme against those trying to stop the agency from pursuing the project, which they believe will dramatically improve traffic along EDSA.

The Star was provided a copy of a Metro Mayors Council (MMC) resolution, dated September 2003, which reportedly proves that the OBR is approved by the 14 Metro Manila local chief executives.

Its implementation is obviously long overdue since the MMDA had to postpone it many times.

Only three Metro Manila Mayors did not sign the measure which means that it was approved by majority of the members of the MMC last year.

Those who rejected the OBR include Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando’s most vocal critic; Manila Mayor Lito Atienza; and former Caloocan Mayor Reynaldo Malonzo.

The OBR is expected to be fully implemented this month.

Fernando, who believes that bus companies will benefit from the scheme, said that a meeting with bus operators and other concerned sectors will be held tomorrow. After the dialogue, the MMDA will announce the schedule of the start of its implementation.

Fernando explained that under the OBR scheme, there will be lesser number of buses but those allowed to ply their routes for the day will be jampacked, thereby doubling or even tripling regular earnings.

The OBR, he noted, will also mean less fuel consumption for buses.