THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will implement a two-week dry run allowing all provincial buses from traversing along the stretch of EDSA.
“The DOTr (Department of Transportation) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) gave the green light to allow provincial buses to ply EDSA starting 10 pm tonight up to 5 am,” MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando Artes noted.
Artes announced that IATF Resolution No. 101 on uniform travel protocols will be expiring today, hence, the implementation of the dry run.
Meanwhile, the MMDA concluded today the traffic summit where the MMDA and multi-sectoral stakeholders signed a Pledge of Commitment for the rationalization, improvement, and enhancement of public and private transportation in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Among the proposed traffic improvement plans were the expansion of the number coding scheme and reimplementation of the truck ban policy, in preparation for the “new normal” as the metropolis eased back into Alert Level 1 for COVID-19 restrictions.
Artes was thankful for the proposals laid out by government agencies, the private sector, transport groups, transport associations and local traffic bureaus of the 17 local government units in Metro Manila.
“We will conduct a series of consultations to further improve traffic management in Metro Manila. Rest assured that we will thoroughly study the proposed solutions and we will address the concerns of the commuters and transport sector,” said Artes.
MMDA Assistant General Manager for Planning Jose Campo, for his part, appealed to the partners and advocates of better traffic conditions in the metropolis.
“The MMDA cannot do it alone; we need your help – the different government agencies, private sectors, academe, and transport organizations – in developing measures to ease congestion as well as provide better transport management in the region,” Campos said. “Your commitment will be very much appreciated and I hope this summit will mark our continued journey towards a safer, convenient, and better traffic management. “