MMDA TEMPORARILY ALLOWS PROVINCIAL BUSES ON EDSA

THE Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has temporarily allowed provincial buses to traverse Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) from December 20, 2024 until January 2, 2025.

The move was to accommodate more passengers as increased volume is expected this holiday season.

In a statement Friday, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Romando Artes said provincial buses would be allowed on EDSA from 10 p.m. to 5 p.m. from December 20 to 25.

From December 26 to January 2 next year, buses will be allowed on EDSA 24/7.

According to Artes, more than 2,100 buses will benefit from the said holiday traffic scheme.

All provincial buses coming from north of Metro Manila will terminate their trips in Cubao, Quezon City while those from the south will end their trips at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange in Pasay City.

“There is an expected increase in vehicular volume this Christmas season. We want our bus operators to serve more passengers for their convenience and faster travel to their respective destinations,” he said.

Artes assured that the traffic adjustment would not affect buses traversing the EDSA Carousel route.

The MMDA reported that the volume of vehicles traversing EDSA has already reached 464,000 and is expected to increase to between 470,000 and 480,000 during the second and third weeks of December.

He said during this period, it is estimated that travel speed on EDSA would average 18 km. per hour (kph), lower than the normal 21 kph.

Average vehicular speed may decrease further to 15 kph as Christmas nears.

Artes reminded the public to plan their trips, particularly regarding visits to malls where adjusted operating hours are in effect.

The duty hours for MMDA traffic personnel will be extended until midnight, a change from the regular deployment hours that end at 10 p.m…

A “no absent, no leave” policy will also be enforced for the duration of the Christmas season.