MMDA suspends dry run on provincial bus ban

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Monday announced the temporary suspension of the dry run of the provincial bus ban along EDSA.

According to MMDA general manager Jojo Garcia, the dry run is temporarily suspended pending the meeting among officials from the MMDA, Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

“We will continue with the dry run once the guidelines and implementing rules have been ironed out by the three agencies involved,” Garcia said.

Garcia also said the MMDA does not want the policy to be politicized especially this election season.

Meanwhile, Garcia noted that the prohibition on loading and unloading passengers by provincial buses along EDSA will remain in effect.

The dry run, which started last April 22, aims to test if the policy will be effective in easing traffic congestion in Metro Manila.

The MMDA earlier said it is targeting to close all passenger bus terminals along EDSA by June.

Bus operators were advised to use the terminals outside Metro Manila such as those in Valenzuela, Sta. Rosa in Laguna and the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX). —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News