Metro Manila sees 30k fewer vehicles on major roads, says MMDA

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said it has observed fewer vehicles travelling across Metro Manila compared to previous weeks.

According to a "24 Oras" report by Darlene Cay on Friday, Metro Manila had 30,000 fewer vehicles on the road from March 16 to 18, 2026, compared to the previous weeks.

“Nakita natin na merong 8% reduction ang volume na compared sa mga previous weeks,” said MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III.

(We saw that there had been an 8% reduction in volume compared to previous weeks.)

Several drivers and motorists have begun to opt for alternatives when travelling, such as taking mass transit like trains and buses.

MMDA said it is studying the possibility of private carpooling.

“Baka po pwede na rin yung mga private vehicle nila sa carpooling siguro. Tingnan na natin kung mas mapaganda natin basta hindi natatamaan ang colorum law,” he added.

(Maybe it would also be possible for private vehicles to do carpooling. We are looking into how to improve this as long as it doesn’t fall under the colorum law.)

Meanwhile, MMDA said it is preparing for a surge of travelers using bikes and e-scooters.

“Ini-improve ang mga bike lanes at pinapalakas ang mga policies na nagpoprotect ng mga bikers. Noong Tuesday, nag-open kami ng isang end-of-trip facility, yung shower room at toilet facility diyan sa MMDA Motorcycle Riding Academy, sa kanto ng Julia Vargas,” Torre said.

(We are improving the bike lanes and strengthening policies that protect bikers. On Tuesday, we opened an end-of-trip facility, the shower room and toilet facility at the MMDA Motorcycle Riding Academy at the corner of Julia Vargas.) —Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/LDF, GMA Integrated News