MMDA allows private vehicles to use EDSA yellow lanes

Private vehicles can now use the yellow lanes as the bus lanes are now designated on the left side of EDSA, an official of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Monday.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV, MMDA general manager Jojo Garcia said this is to prioritize buses for a faster travel of commuters.

“Yung dalawang lanes sa kanan natin na dating bus lanes, ayaw daanan ng kababayan natin. ‘Yan po pupuwede niyong daanan ‘yan kasi nga nilipat na natin ‘yung bus lanes sa left side,” Garcia said.

“Wala po bus diyan na daraan… Yung right side, napakaluwag niyan. Puwedeng daanan ng private ‘yan” he added.

Garcia made the statement after it was observed on Monday, the first day of the implementation of the general communit quarantine in Metro Manila, that private vehicles are not using the yellow lanes, causing heavy traffic.

After the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) period ended in the National Capital Region on Sunday, more workers were allowed to report back to work in both public and private sectors.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the resumption of operations of mass transportation systems under GCQ will be in two phases.

Under Phase 1, covering June 1 to 21, trains and bus augmentation, taxis, TNVS (transport network vehicle services), shuttle services, point-to-point buses, and bicycles will be allowed to operate with a limited passenger capacity.

Tricycles will also be allowed, subject to the prior approval of the concerned local government units.

Provincial buses will be barred from entering Metro Manila during the June 1 to 21 period.

In Phase 2, covering June 22 to 30, public utility buses, modern PUVs or jeepneys, and UV Express will be allowed to operate, also with limited passenger capacity.

Transport modes allowed under Phase 2 will operate alongside those allowed during Phase 1, the DOTr said. –Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News