MMDA has no plans to lift yellow lane policy, wants to install fences

Despite the massive gridlock on EDSA the past few days, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has no plans of giving up its controversial "yellow lane policy" and even wants to step things up by installing "bollards" or traffic posts on the major thoroughfare.

A report on GMA News 24 Oras quoted MMDA officials as saying despite the strict implementation of the yellow lane policy, everything boils down to discipline among drivers plying EDSA.

"Gusto lang namin maging systematic ang mga pampublikong sasakyan... Ang attitude kasi ng mga drivers dito wala silang pakialam kahit nakakaabala sila," said MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago.

"We cannot bank on the discipline ng mga driver kung wala kaming enforcers," said MMDA EDSA Traffic Manager Edison "Bong" Nebrija.

MMDA chair Danilo Lim had earlier said they will have to install rubberized bollards or fences on EDSA due to the drivers' lack of discipline.

"Alam naman niyo ang city buses kung saan saan nagabbaa ng pasahero kahit hindi designated na babaan at sakayana, babakuran natin yan. magiiwan lang tayo ng puwang sa mga lugar na designated loading and unbloading area," Lim said.

The MMDA appealed to the public not to blame the yellow lane policy for the traffic congestion on EDSA.

"Napaka-unfair na isisi ang sobrang traffic dahil lang sa strict implementation ng yellow lane car keep on multiplying but roads do not," said Pialago.

The MMDA also plans to launch a more comprehensive crackdown on colorum and out-of-line buses plying EDSA.

Meanwhile, the Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection said aside from strictly enforcing the yellow lane policy, the MMDA should also ensure that even the inner roads do not get clogged up.

"Ang suggestion namin diyan, ang loading and unloading ng mga pasahero, sa likod lahat. Kasi kapag inihahatid ng mga sasakyan, nagiging loading and unloading area ang EDSA," said LCSP president Ariel Inton. — MDM, GMA News