New Guadalupe traffic scheme for PUJs starting Monday - MMDA

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday said it will implement a traffic rerouting scheme for public jeepneys coming from Magsaysay Avenue traveling towards EDSA-Guadalupe on Monday.

One of the choke points along EDSA during rush hour is the Guadalupe area in Makati City. Buses load and unload passengers in the area while all the jeepneys coming from Magsaysay Avenue converge along EDSA on their way to Guadalupe Nuevo.

With this, the MMDA will implement a rerouting scheme on Feb. 13, Monday, GMA News' Mark Zambrano reported on 24 Oras.

Jeepneys coming from Magsaysay Avenue will no longer be allowed to pass through EDSA. Instead, they will have to pass through P. Burgos Street, turn left on P. Victor Street towards Guadalupe Ilalim.

However, jeepney operators are opposed to the new traffic scheme because it leads them through a longer route with narrow streets.

Guadalupe, Butig and Masinag Jeeney Operators president Cesar Hilario opposed the rerouting, saying traffic will only worsen.

"Mas madali po sa EDSA. Kasi pinadadaan niya kami sa masikip, talagang ga-grabe lahat po doon e. Lahat po magtatagpo-tagpo e, lahat ng PUJ doon lahat magkikita," he said.

But the MMDA is ready to implement the new scheme. About 100 traffic constables will be deployed in the area 24 hours a day. 

Drivers who violate the traffic rules will be issued tickets.

MMDA Director Neomie Recio clarified that the rerouting scheme aims to decongest traffic along EDSA.

"Isa lang po ang objective natin dito. 'Yun po ay ma-decongest ang traffic. Wala ho kaming gustong parusahan dito sa ginagawa natin," Recio said.

Aside from the rerouting scheme, the MMDA said businesses along EDSA-Gualupe are only allowed to receive deliveries from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.

The stalls of vendors along the sidewalk of Manggahan, P. Burgos, and P. Victor Streets were already dismantled because the people are already walking along the streets, adding to traffic congestion. — Joseph Tristan Roxas/BAP/KG, GMA News