MMDA starts dry run of banning provincial buses from loading and unloading passengers on Edsa

April 21, 2019

Starting Monday, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will start the dry run of banning provincial buses loading and unloading passengers along Edsa and major roads in the metropolis.

In a statement, MMDA general manager Jojo Garcia said this is an existing rule that they will strictly implement.

“Provincial buses are not allowed to load and unload passengers along EDSA and other major roads in Metro Manila,” said Garcia.

Instead, provincial buses must only use their respective terminals in picking up and dropping off  passengers since they travel “point to point” or directly from the terminal to the drop-off point, Garcia added.

Violators will be fined P500 for illegal loading and unloading.

“It is about time we enforce discipline to restore order on the roads,” Garcia pointed.

Garcia said the dry run for the closure of bus terminals along Edsa will push through after the Holy Week.

During the dry run, the MMDA will oblige operators of bus terminals to use government-built terminals such as Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange and facilities in Sta. Rosa Laguna and Valenzuela City.

In line with the government’s plan to remove 47 bus terminals along Edsa by June, Garcia said they are set to coordinate with local government units of Pasay City and Quezon City which have jurisdiction over locations of the terminals.

“We will write all concerned local government units for the eventual closure of the terminals along Edsa,” said Garcia.

Earlier, the Metro Manila Council issued a regulation, prohibiting or revoking business permits of all public utility bus terminals and operators and other public utility vehicle terminals along Edsa. DMS