MMDA warns of weekend ‘carmageddon’ from holiday rush

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) warned motorists of the expected "carmaggedon" on this last weekend before Christmas.

In Mark Salazar's report on GMA's "24 Oras," traffic speed in EDSA has further slowed down to 16 kph as the volume of vehicles on the road has increased by four percent.

Motorists should prepare for worse traffic situation on Friday.

"Let's brace ourselves mangyayari lang ito, magdurusa tayo dito kung sasabayan pa ng ating pagiging hindi disiplinado ng ating mga driver," MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago said.

However, she said that MMDA will be on full force to ensure road safety and convenience amid the holiday rush.

"There will be no day off and no absent policy para sa mga kawani ng MMDA. Kung kailan sumasapit ang ganitong sitwasyon, mas kailangan tayo nandito sa ganitong pagkakataon," she added.

The report said that there are 2.6 million vehicles registered in Metro Manila and the traffic volume in the area increases by 20 percent during the holiday season because of vehicles coming in from the provinces.

Pialago pointed out that the alternate roads which shall ease the heavy traffic in EDSA were usually obstructed by vendors and illegally parked vehicles.

MMDA advised motorists to avoid the locations of 85 bus terminals in Metro Manila this weekend as a holiday exodus is expected to take place. —Dona Magsino/ LDF, GMA News