LTO orders probe on EDSA bus lane incidents, vows to levy penalties on violators

MANILA: The Land Transportation Office (LTO) said that it has ordered a probe into traffic violations in the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) bus lane.

According to LTO Chief Assistant Secretary, Attorney Vigor Mendoza II, he has directed the transportation bureau’s National Capital Region department to identify the operator and the driver of a taxi that blocked several buses when a 19-inch flood hit the Camp Aguinaldo Gate 3 portion of EDSA on September 23.

Likewise, the agency revealed that Mendoza said they are now conducting an investigation into the incident wherein a motorist almost hit a Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) traffic enforcer while trying to escape after he was caught using the EDSA Bus Carousel lane on September 21.

“Nagiging bisyo na ng ilang mga abusadong motorista ang paggamit ng EDSA Bus Carousel. (It has become the habit of some abusive motorists to use the EDSA Bus Carousel). We recognize the limited manpower of the MMDA to strictly enforce and while the LTO has the same problem, we will tap some of our enforcers to reinforce our brothers in the MMDA in keeping an eye on the EDSA Bus Carousel,” Mendoza was quoted saying.

The MMDA has repeatedly warned motorists that no private vehicles should use the EDSA Bus Carousel lane or the innermost lanes of the road. The aforementioned byway is reserved for city buses and vehicles being used for emergency response such as ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars.

However, several motorists still violate the aforementioned rule despite the repeated requests and warnings of the concerned agencies.

“Tinitiyak din natin ang agarang aksyon ng inyong LTO upang maparusahan ang mga mahuhuling motorista na gagamit ng EDSA Bus Carousel. (I also assure the immediate action of LTO to penalize any apprehended motorist that will use the EDSA Bus Carousel),” Mendoza commented.

Photos from Land Transportation Office – Philippines  and MMDA Facebook pages

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