MMDA notes leaner Holy Week travel amid rising oil prices

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Monday it has observed a decline in passenger volume at terminals and along major thoroughfares, as rising fuel prices appear to have dampened this year’s Holy Week exodus.

“Actually, ganitong panahon, Friday, dapat nakakita tayo ng significant volume of passengers sa different terminals, at sa mga kalsada natin, yung EDSA natin, makikita na natin yung transition,” said Edison Nebrija, MMDA-Swift Traffic Action Group commander, in Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.

(Actually, at this time, [on a] Friday, we should already be seeing a significant volume of passengers at the different terminals and on our roads, particularly along EDSA, where we should already be seeing the transition.)

“However, hindi pa siya ganun karami kumpara sa mga nakaraang taon. During this time, yung Holy Monday natin, makikita mo na dumadagsa yung mga tao… however, hindi pa ganun ka-significant,” he added.

(However, it’s not as crowded compared to previous years. During this time, our Holy Monday usually sees a surge of passengers… but it’s not that significant yet.)

Despite the noticeable decrease in passengers, the MMDA said it will not lower its guard, deploying 2,476 personnel and 581 pieces of equipment for the Holy Week exodus.

“No absent, no day off, no leave policy kami this coming April 1 and 2, to include April 6 para saluhin sila pagbalik. Then we will have our skeletal force on April 3, 4, and 5,” Nebrija said.

Further, the MMDA will deploy personnel at bus terminals in Cubao, Pasay, Caloocan, and at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).

The agency earlier said it will temporarily allow provincial buses to use EDSA during the Holy Week period to accommodate the surge of passengers traveling to the provinces.

In an advisory, the MMDA said the measure will take effect from 9 p.m. on Holy Wednesday, April 1, until 6 a.m. on April 6, Monday.

Provincial buses coming from North Luzon will be allowed to travel along EDSA up to terminals in Cubao, Quezon City, while those from South Luzon may proceed along EDSA up to terminals in Pasay and PITX.—MCG, GMA Integrated News