MMDA mulls extension of modified truck ban

MANILA, Philippines - Claiming success, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Thursday said the modified truck ban which it implemented during the holiday season could be extended beyond Jan. 6.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said he is consulting with the Metro Manila Council (MMC), particularly the Special Traffic Committee (STC) headed by Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, on the planned extension of the new truck ban rules. The MMC, composed of all the mayors of Metro Manila, is the policy-making arm of the MMDA.

The modified truck ban rules will complement the enhanced bus segregation scheme in EDSA now being implemented by the agency.

“As per our initial assessment, the first three-week implementation of this modified truck ban has been a success, especially in reducing traffic congestion in our road networks,” Tolentino said.

The modified truck ban hours, as approved by STC in consultation with various truck ban operators, was implemented on Dec. 7, and will remain in effect until Sunday.

The modified truck ban hours are from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. from Mondays to Saturdays. The truck ban in EDSA, from Magallanes Interchange to Trinoma mall in Quezon City, is in effect the whole day from Mondays to Sundays.

Trucks carrying perishable goods such as agricultural products are still exempted from the modified truck ban.

Under the “usual” truck ban, trucks and other heavy vehicles are banned from using Metro Manila streets from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and then from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Violators of the ban are to pay a P500 fine.