MMDA: EDSA Busway Apprehensions ‘Decreasing Significantly’
THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority yesterday noted a very significant decrease in the apprehension of the violators of EDSA busway policy.
During its early morning rush hour operations from Taft, Pasay City to Cubao in Quezon City, Assistant General Manager for Operations Assistant Secretary David Angelo Vargas compared the number of apprehensions on the previous days of apprehension.
“At around 8:30 to 9 a.m. last week, we have usually apprehended more or less 60 violators. But today, we have observed that there are only a few unauthorized vehicles entering the exclusive bus lane,” he said.
Vargas attributed the decrease in apprehension to the consistency in the daily operations of the agency against erring motorists.
He also said that higher penalties implemented are an effective deterrent since motorists feel the impact of increased fines.
“Motorists are gradually obeying traffic rules and regulations in Metro Manila, particularly the EDSA busway policy,” he stressed.
As of 11 a.m., the total number of apprehensions is 29, 26 of which are motorcycles while three are cars.
Vargas also said that the MMDA will further intensify anti-illegal parking operations, particularly on Mabuhay Lanes which are alternative routes for those who want to avoid EDSA.
He likewise encouraged the public to serve as a citizen’s watch patrol to report areas where there are a large number of illegally parked vehicles.
“You can report to us your locations where there are many illegally parked vehicles and we will verify it and coordinate with the local government units before we operate in the area,” Vargas said.
