Compromise agreement between LTFRB, transport groups expected

UV Express vans will be allowed to pass through some parts of EDSA if transport groups cancel their cases against Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) officials.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Spokesperson Cherie Mercado told GMA News Online in a phone interview on Wednesday that an agreement was drafted during a public forum held on Monday.

Mercado said LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra met with Jun Magno of the Stop & Go Transport Coalition and Elvira Medina of the National Council for Commuters Protection (NCCP) to discuss whether a compromise among the groups is possible.

"In the compromise, sabi nila they will withdraw their case. And on the side of the LTFRB, they will allow some routes to pass a limited stretch of EDSA to be able to get to their point in Makati," she said.

On southern routes, UV Express vans from Sta. Rosa, Laguna and Alabang will be allowed to "ply a limited part of EDSA to get to Park Square."

Passenger vans taking the Northern routes from Bulacan may pass through a part of Makati City on their way to Trinoma and North EDSA. However, they can only drop off passengers at Muñoz, Quezon City.

UV Express vans from the East, by Pasig and Marikina, may pass through a limited stretch of EDSA from Buendia Avenue to Ayala Avenue to get to their terminal at the Makati Central Building District.

Passenger vans taking the Fairview route will also be allowed to access parts of EDSA.

"On or before Friday, the LTFRB is set to come out with an amendment to the existing MC (memorandum circular) that came out and the other side naman is expected to come out with a draft to dismiss the case," Mercado explained.

UV Express vans were banned from EDSA in July to ease traffic along Metro Manila's busiest road through MC No. 2016-009.

The memorandum, however, allows vehicles to traverse "the shortest and/or most convenient route in reaching their end points/destinations, provided however, that UV Express Services are not allowed to traverse EDSA, except when crossing the same.” — BAP, GMA News