The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority announced that fines for the violation of exclusive city bus lane/bus carousel lane regulation along EDSA will soon be increased as the agency noted private vehicles repeatedly disregarding the rules.
In a press conference, MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes said that there are many errant drivers of private vehicles, motorcycle riders, and other motor vehicles who continually use the exclusive bus lane despite constant warning and reminders.
The bus carousel lane is for exclusive use of Public Utility Buses, ambulances, and marked government vehicles responding to emergencies.
The bus carousel lane is for exclusive use of Public Utility Buses, ambulances, and marked government vehicles responding to emergencies.
“To serve as a deterrent, the MMDA, through the Metro Manila Council, decided to increase the prescribed fines and impose corresponding suspension of driver’s license depending on the frequency of offense,” Artes explained.
Currently, the prescribed fine for the violation of the exclusive bus lane regulation is at P1000 for each offense.
Under the MMDA Regulation No. 23-002, the increased fines for the violation of exclusive city bus lane/EDSA carousel lane regulation for both public and private vehicles are:
First Offense – P5,000
Second Offense – P10,000 plus one month suspension of driver’s license, and required to undergo a road safety seminar
Third Offense – P20,000 plus one year suspension of driver’s license
Fourth Offense – P30,000 plus recommendation to Land Transportation Office for revocation of driver’s license
Artes also emphasized that the increase in penalty is not anti-poor nor a money-making scheme.
“Based on our data and observation, there are those who are willing to pay the P1000 fines and violate the exclusivity of the bus lane because they can afford it… kalimitan kotse ng mayayaman,” he said.
However, Artes was quick to clarify that the MMDA will first conduct information campaigns to have the public be aware of the increased fines prior to its full implementation.
Meanwhile, Artes clarified that although approved by the MMC, the date of implementation of the no window hour coding scheme is still yet to be determined.
“We expect 15 to 20% additional vehicle volume as the holiday nears, that’s the time we will decide whether or not to implement the 7 am to 7 pm number coding scheme in Metro Manila.”
“We will assess first the situation of Metro Manila roads from November 6 to 12, after the return of vacationers from the provinces for the Undas break. We expect 15 to 20% additional vehicle volume as the holiday nears, that’s the time we will decide whether or not to implement the 7am to 7pm number coding scheme in Metro Manila,” he explained.
Artes stressed that the current number coding hours, which is 7am to 10am and 5pm to 8pm will still be observed.
