MMDA: EDSA Busway violators reveal lack of discipline, need to get ahead among motorists

A lack of discipline and the need to get ahead among other motorists are among the reasons why Philippine traffic is getting worse, according to Raffy Tima's report on 24 Oras Thursday.

Despite regular operations, information campaigns and stiffer penalties in the past three months, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) continually apprehends violators along the EDSA Busway. 

Most of those who were caught claim that they do not know that it is prohibited to enter and travel along the busway.

Along the EDSA-Shaw Boulevard underpass, the MMDA observed that motorists were seen taking advantage of the absence of barriers to enter the busway. Before leaving the underpass, they would leave the busway which is when MMDA enforcers were waiting to apprehend them.

"Whether there is a barrier o wala, alam naman natin na pinagbabawal pong pumasok diyan so dapat bilang motorista, alam natin kung ano yung tama at ano yung bawal. Disiplina po ang kailangan natin upang magkaroon ng smooth flow sa traffic system," said Gabriel Co, MMDA Special Operations Group Head.

(Whether there is a barrier or not, we know that it is forbidden to enter [the busway]. So as motorists, we should know what is allowed and prohibited. We need discipline in order to have a smooth flow in the traffic system.)

Those caught were surprised after learning the penalty for their violation.

Under MMDA Regulation No. 23-002, the increased fines for the violation of both public and private vehicles are:

1. First offense – P5,000
2. Second offense – P10,000 plus one-month suspension of driver’s license, and required to undergo a road safety seminar
3. Third offense – P20,000 plus one-year suspension of driver’s license
4. Fourth offense – P30,000 plus recommendation to Land Transportation Office for revocation of driver’s license

"Wala akong idea sir e, ngayon lang ulit ako nakapag-drive," said a motorist who was caught.

(I had no idea, I just started driving again.)

"Alam ko naman po e. Kaya lang ang pakiramdam ko kasi maluwag kung doon ako dadaan. Pasulpot-sulpot lang naman ako e," said another driver.

(I know the rules. But I felt confident passing through the busway because it was faster. I only go in and out in short spans.)

The MMDA said that the number of vehicles passing through the busway is decreasing, but whenever traffic is heavy, several motorists cannot resist the urge to overtake using the busway.—Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA Integrated News