Stiffer penalties vs EDSA Bus Lane violators to be implemented next week

Heavier fines against violators of the bus lane/bus carousel lane regulation along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) shall be implemented beginning next week.

According to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the increased penalties are set to be imposed beginning November 13.

The following are the new fines that will be implemented under MMDA Regulation No. 23-002 (approved by the Metro Manila Council):

• First Offense: P5,000
• Second Offense: P10,000 plus one month suspension of driver’s license, and shall be 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

MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Romando Artes reiterated that unauthorized motorists should not pass through the EDSA Bus Carousel Lane to avoid getting slapped with the new penalty.

Per the MMDA executive, the increase in penalties is aimed to ensure safety of motorists as well as the undisrupted travel of authorized city buses plying in the exclusive lane.

According to the MMDA, the fines apply on both drivers of public and private vehicles who are not authorized to use the exclusive bus lane.

Artes also bared that the agency has been receiving reports that some drivers evade apprehension by speeding off their vehicles when flagged down. "These EDSA bus lane violators will be reported to the Land Transportation Office and penalties will be attached to the vehicle owners," he said.

Meanwhile, the MMDA has formed a strike force that will bolster the clearing operations of illegally-parked vehicles in Mabuhay Lanes and other areas of jurisdiction in Metro Manila.  

Headed by MMDA General Manager Undersecretary Procopio Lipana and Traffic Discipline Office Director for Enforcement Atty. Victor Nuñez, the strike force will be made up of motorcycle-riding traffic enforcers that will be deployed on areas where illegal parking is reported.  

Target areas for the strike force are those where the agency previously conducted operations.

"The strike force shall conduct regular clearing operations on all Mabuhay Lanes and reported areas to ensure that alternate routes for EDSA are passable and obstruction-free. They will be equipped with body-worn cameras and handheld ticketing devices which they will use in their operation," Artes said.

Artes also urged the public to report to the agency areas where there is a high concentration of illegally-parked vehicles.

Photos from Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

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