Here are MMDA’s traffic-alleviating measures for X-Mas season 2025

MANILA: The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) bared its traffic mitigating measures for the upcoming Christmas season.

After a consultative meeting with representatives of shopping mall management; water, electricity, and telecommunications companies as well as with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the agency said that the following initiatives will be conducted:

• Mall operators shall submit their respective traffic management plans to the MMDA for their mall sales and promotional events two weeks prior to the scheduled dates
• Deliveries by shopping mall operators shall be conducted only on 11 pm-5 am the next day during weekdays except for perishable goods like food and ice
• Mall-wide sale shall only be allowed on weekends. However, store- or outlet-specific sale inside the mall are allowed provided that no announcement, advertisement, or tarpaulins of the same are made 
•        Operators shall follow the 11 a.m.- 11 p.m. mall hour operations during weekdays
•        Excavation activities on all national and city roads in Metro Manila shall be temporarily suspended. Exempted to this are flagship projects of the government, DPWH bridge repair and construction, flood interceptor catchment projects, emergency leak repair, and others

According to MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando Artes, the measures will take effect starting November 17 up to December 25.

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He noted that the measures have been effective in handling increased vehicular volume during the holiday season.

“The Christmas season brings with it a 10 to 25 percent increase in vehicular volume in Metro Manila roads.  By implementing these effective measures, we aim to provide a more manageable traffic flow for the holidays,” said Artes.

Relatedly, provincial buses may use the Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) on 10 p.m.- 5 a.m. beginning December 20; while on December 24 until January 2, they are allowed to traverse the aforementioned thoroughfare round-the-clock for faster turnaround time and to accommodate more passengers.

During the said period, provincial buses coming from the north shall end their trips in Cubao, Quezon City, while those coming from the south, in Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange or in Pasay City.

Night-time traffic enforcers along major thoroughfares in Metro Manila shall have extended duty until midnight starting November 17. To complement this, the MMDA will implement an intensified No Contact Apprehension Policy and clearing operations.

Additionally, the MMDA will coordinate with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and transport groups to prolong the public transport system's operating hours, especially the EDSA Bus Carousel, Light Rail Transit, and Metro Rail Transit, as well as operation of public utility vehicles to accommodate late-night commuters and mall employees.

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