Cars with solo drivers to be banned from EDSA during rush hour

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is looking to ban vehicles with no passengers apart from the driver on board in EDSA during rush hours in a bid to ease traffic congestion in the busy thoroughfare.

The MMDA is targeting to implement its expanded high occupancy vehicle lanes in EDSA before the end of August after a meeting with the Metro Manila Council, according to a 24 Oras report by Oscar Oida.

"So sabi nga natin kung ang publiko na namamasahe, nagpa-public transport ng provincial buses, PUV binibigyan natin ng polisiya, maybe it's about time na pati 'yung private vehicles magkaroon din ng partisipasyon," MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia said.

The policy was made after an MMDA study found out that 70 percent of vehicles traversing EDSA during rush hour only have drivers in them without passengers.

"Nasa 300,000 ang dumadaan sa EDSA everyday. Just imagine 200,000 'yung mag-isa lang so mag-dalawa lang sila one-third na ang mawawala sa kalsada," Garcia said.

The MMDA plans to apprehend violators through its No Contact Traffic Apprehension to avoid disrupting the traffic flow.

The agency admitted problems will be encountered in implementing the policy, especially with cars having dark window tint.

"Kung talagang madilim na madilim ang tint mo, paparahin ka, titignan namin sa loob kung ilan kayo. Porke't hindi kayo nakikita puwede na kayo gumawa ng masama, Ang sa amin lang cooperation po talaga," Garcia added.

Motorists are divided on the measure.

"Eh paano 'yun company ito eh. Magsusundo ako sa mga empleyado, kagaya nito susundo ako sa empleyado mag-isa, 'di obligado na isa lang 'yung driver," motorist Joseph Lipindo said.

"Puwede sir para mabawasan ang traffic," said driver Tintin Lorica.

"Kung talagang mag-isa ka lang, mag-commute ka na lang para makatulong na mabawasan 'yung sasakyan sa kalsada," driver Abraham Himilien said.

Others motorists also expressed concerns regarding their security, as they might be forced to take commuters who they do not personally know for a ride.

"Mag-ga-Grab na lang siguro ako para may sakay," a driver said.

"Eh hindi ko alam kung sino siya eh 'di ba eh paano kung may gawin siya sa aking masama?" a female driver said.

Further, the MMDA said it will also ban transport network vehicle services (TNVS) without passengers.

The MMDA said they will conduct a dry run before implementing the policy in order to make the necessary adjustments.

The Metro Manila Council supported as well MMDA's move to ban provincial buses along EDSA.

However, it might not be implemented on August 15.

"May mga konting structure pa doon na kailangang gawin, so hindi natin ito mamadaliin," Garcia said. —Jamil Santos/JST, GMA News