MMDA Issues Stern Warning to Motorists to Stay Out of EDSA Busway

MANILA: After a tragic hit-and-run incident occurred at the EDSA Shaw Boulevard tunnel-southbound on Wednesday morning, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) warned motorists to stay out of the EDSA Bus Carousel Lane.

A motorcycle rider was allegedly smashed by a white SUV and run over by a tanker while traveling along the EDSA Shaw Boulevard tunnel around 5 a.m., according to MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes.

“It is with profound sadness that this incident happened. We express our deepest condolences to the family of the rider. We pray for their comfort in this difficult time,” Artes stated in a press conference on Wednesday.

The motorcycle and the SUV were both traveling within the EDSA Bus Carousel lane when the accident occurred, according to MMDA monitoring. Meanwhile, the tanker was driving beside the bus lane.

Artes reiterated that only passenger buses, ambulances, and marked government vehicles that are responding to emergencies are permitted to drive along the EDSA Bus Carousel Lane.

“We keep on reminding motorists not to use the innermost lane of EDSA as it may result in an accident, but despite our repeated calls and pleas, many drivers of privately-owned vehicles and motorcycle riders disregard the policy,” he said.

Artes also observed the increase in number of accidents in the fourth quarter of 2022, coinciding with the implementation of the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) of the MMDA.

There were 32,739 traffic violations recorded in just May of this year. According to Artes, these offenses result in accidents and slow down the flow of traffic.

“We find it difficult to enforce the exclusivity of the said lane without the certainty of a CCTV-assisted apprehension, thereby exposing our motorcycle riders to a greater risk,” Artes stated.

According to Artes, MMDA will also work with the Office of the Solicitor General to present its data and possibly submit a motion to the Supreme Court for the lifting of the TRO placed on the NCAP.  The TRO was issued by the Supreme Court on August 30, 2022.

The CCTV footage and other evidence, according to Artes, will also be forwarded by the MMDA to assist the Philippine National Police (PNP) in their investigation. Artes also urged the motorists who witnessed the incident to report to the authorities.

“We encourage the driver of the white SUV and driver of the tanker to cooperate with the PNP to shed light on the incident,” he added.

Photos from Metro Manila Development Authority Facebook page and Philippine News Agency

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