MMDA cracks down on bus lane violators

MANILA, Philippines – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday started apprehending private vehicles that strayed into the “yellow” or bus lane on EDSA.

The MMDA deployed 31 enforcers to monitor the portion of EDSA between Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong to Guadalupe in Makati City starting at 6 a.m.

The enforcers apprehended at least 10 private motorists who strayed into the bus lane and a Lippad Transport bus whose driver maneuvered the vehicle into the lane for private vehicles.

The private motorists were fined P500 while the bus driver was fined P200.

Secretary to the Cabinet and traffic czar Jose Rene Almendras, who also chairs the EDSA Traffic Technical Working Group (TWG), said the move is part of a plan to speed up vehicular traffic between Shaw Boulevard and Guadalupe.

“Until we build more bridges across the Pasig River and more roads, EDSA-Guadalupe is the main chokepoint,” he said.

Chief Superintendent Arnold Gunnacao, Highway Patrol Group director, said the scheme eased the flow of traffic in the area, based on feedback they received.