Despite backlash, MMDA insists on carpooling as answer to 'EDSA driver-only ban'

The ban on driver-only vehicles along EDSA during rush hours was intended to promote carpooling and not to encourage motorists to use alternate routes, a Metropolitan Manila Development Authority official said Thursday.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV, MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia said motorists who will follow the controversial new scheme — on dry run starting August 15 — will find EDSA a "reward."

"Kumbaga, reward po 'tong EDSA sa mga ma-enganyo po natin sa carpooling. 'Yan naman po talaga ang target natin, 'di yung mga alternatibong ruta," Garcia said.

"Itong mga alternatibong ruta na ito, talagang pag wala kayong carpool, puwede niyo pong daanan," Garcia added.

"Pero 'yung puwede naman pong mag-carpool, baka puwedeng iwan niyo na lang po 'yung sasakyan niyo, isa na lang 'yung gamitin niyo, magsama-sama kayo sa isang sasakyan para talagang makabawas po sa volume ng vehicles."

Garcia earlier discouraged the use of alternative routes, saying the influx of vehicles on these secondary roads would negate the benefits of whittling traffic away from EDSA.

Garcia also noted that transport network vehicle service (TNVS) may only use EDSA if they have passengers on-board.

"Yung mga alternatibong ruta po natin, kini-clear naman po natin 'yan araw-araw, ito po'y wala na talagang maka-carpool o kaya'y may hinatid po kayo at wala na, then pag-uwi niyo, pwedeng daanan itong mga alternatibong ruta na ito," he said.

Rush hours were defined by the MMDA as 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the morning and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the evening.

On Senate reso

A Senate resolution was filed on Wednesday urging the MMDA to push back the implementation of the ban on driver-only vehicles.

Garcia said the MMDA will convene with the Metro Manila Council (MMC) to discuss the Senate resolution once a copy arrives at their office. —Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News