DOTr allows return of provincial buses on EDSA —MMDA

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will implement a two-week dry run for the return of provincial buses to EDSA starting Thursday evening after the Department of Transportation gave its approval.

In a statement, MMDA chairperson Romando Artes said the IATF Resolution No. 101 on uniform travel protocols, which was issued in February 2021, will be expiring this Thursday.

"The DOTr and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board gave the green light to allow provincial buses to ply EDSA starting 10 p.m. tonight up to 5 a.m.," Artes said.

Meanwhile, MMDA and representatives from the multi-sectoral stakeholders have signed a pledge of commitment to improve the public and private transportation in the National Capital Region during a summit.

Among the proposed traffic plans are the expansion of the number coding scheme and reimplementation of the truck ban policy, in preparation for the "new normal", the MMDA said.

"We will conduct a series of consultations to further improve traffic management in Metro Manila. Rest assure that we will thoroughly study the proposed solutions and we will address the concerns of the commuters and transport sector," Artes said.

Participants of the summit include government agencies, private sector, transport groups, transport associations, and local traffic bureaus of the 17 local government units in Metro Manila. — BM, GMA News