Starting on April 22, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will apprehend provincial buses that will load and unload passengers along Edsa and major roads in the metropolis.
MMDA General Manager Jose Arturo S. Garcia Jr. explained this is an existing rule the agency will strictly implement after the Holy Week.
“Provincial buses are not allowed to load and unload passengers along Edsa and other major roads in Metro Manila,” Garcia said.
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, he added.
Violators will be fined P500 for illegal loading and unloading.
“It’s about time we enforce discipline to restore order on the road.”
Meanwhile, Garcia said the dry run for the closure of bus terminals along Edsa will push through this week.
During the dry run, the MMDA will oblige operators of bus terminals to use terminals the government established such as Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange and facilities in Santa Rosa, Laguna and Valenzuela City.
In line with the government’s plan to remove all bus terminals along Edsa by June, Garcia said they are set to coordinate with the local government units of Pasay City and Quezon City, which have jurisdiction over the locations of the terminals.
“We will write all concerned local government units for the eventual closure of the terminals along Edsa,” Garcia said.
Earlier, the Metro Manila Council has issued a regulation, prohibiting or revoking the business permits of all public- utility bus terminals and operators and other public-utility vehicle terminals along Edsa.
The agency is targeting to close all 47 bus terminals along Edsa by June.