Use Christmas lanes - MMDA

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reiterated its call on motorists to make use of the designated Christmas lanes or alternate routes to ease traffic in major thoroughfares.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino made the appeal as vehicular traffic in major roads of the metropolis, especially near large shopping malls along EDSA, slows down.

“We are calling on our private motorists to use these alternate roads. This is for their own convenience,” Tolentino said.

He said all the Christmas lanes have directional signs to guide motorists. The alternate lanes were also cleared of illegally parked cars and other road obstructions to keep traffic moving smoothly, he added.

MMDA spokesperson Alu Dorotan said they are coordinating with local government units to keep the designated Christmas lanes free of any obstruction. She said they have an agreement with the Manila City government for the suspension of permits for overnight street parking until Jan. 2.

The MMDA introduced the Christmas lanes, also known as Mabuhay Lanes, last year to decongest EDSA and the C-5 Road during the Christmas holiday.

Last year, the MMDA opened 12 Christmas lanes. This year, it opened 33 additional lanes.

Among the newly-designated Christmas lanes this year are the routes going to popular shopping destinations like Divisoria and Carriedo in Manila, and to Baclaran in Parañaque City and Greenhills in San Juan City.

Tolentino said MMDA traffic constables will also be deployed in the Christmas lanes to guide motorists.

He advised motorists to check the MMDA’s website at http://www.mmda.gov.ph for a complete list of Christmas lanes.