QC asks Manila to meet over bus ban

MANILA, Philippines - Quezon City officials have requested a meeting on Monday with their counterparts in Manila to discuss the latter's bus ban.

Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista has earlier complained that Manila’s ban caused traffic jams at the boundary between the two cities.

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, however, told Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista to “find a way. I am not the president, I only have authority over Manila. They can come up with their own ordinance.”

Elmo San Diego, chief of Quezon City’s department of public order and safety, told The STAR yesterday that they asked for a meeting with Manila officials, the Metro Manila Development Authority, and officials of other local government units affected by the ban.

He said they also asked the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and transport group representatives to attend the meeting.

San Diego said they hope to come up with possible solutions to alleviate the heavy traffic along Quezon Avenue near the Welcome Rotunda.

Instead of going around the rotonda, San Diego said a possible alternative is to direct the buses to turn right at Mayon Avenue then proceed to Maria Clara street. From there, the buses can turn right at G. Araneta Avenue and return to Quezon Avenue.

San Diego said they are also looking for other alternative routes for private vehicles bound for Manila.