The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Monday announced that the Department of Public Works and Highways, shopping-mall operators, and water-utility and telecommunication companies have agreed to support traffic-alleviation measures in anticipation of the heavy vehicular traffic during the holidays.
In a consultative meeting held at the MMDA headquarters, MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia and concerned representatives have agreed to implement, from November 5 to January 14 next year, the following action plans:
- Shopping-mall operators along on major thoroughfares in Metro Manila will begin their operations by 11 a.m., an hour later from the usual 10 a.m. opening time, during weekdays
- Shopping-mall operators will deploy additional security personnel to facilitate long lines of vehicles going inside mall parking areas that cause traffic gridlock;
- Removal of obstructions on loading and unloading stations in the vicinity of shopping malls;
- Limiting deliveries of non-perishable goods only at nighttime or from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.;
- No weekday sale policy; and
- Moratorium on road works, including road diggings and repairs, except government flagship projects and/or during emergency cases.
Garcia, who presided over the meeting, said these measures have been laid down to lessen the anticipated traffic congestion, particularly along Edsa, during the holidays.
“Traffic is already bad, and we expect it to get worse as the number of vehicles increases,” said Garcia.
Garcia added shopping malls are considered traffic generators during the holidays, and delaying their operating hours by an hour could help ease traffic situation in Metro Manila.
There are at least 15 shopping malls along on Edsa alone.
Meanwhile, the moratorium on road works aims to lessen the impact of ongoing infrastructure projects on the heavy traffic situation until the holidays are over.
The moratorium covered any diggings in the road right-of-way, including passageways and sidewalks, within the cities or municipalities of Metro Manila for the installation, repair or improvement of water pipes, telephone or telegraph wires or cable conduits, sewers and drainage systems, communication and power-line improvements being undertaken by any government agency, public and private contractors.
Among those who attended the meeting are representatives from SM Supermalls, Ayala malls, Robinsons, Meralco, Globe, PLDT, Maynilad, Manila Waters, among others.