QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has deferred the full implementation of the high occupancy vehicle (HOV) policy in EDSA supposedly set on August 23.
The decision came after members of the Senate filed a resolution opposing its implementation.
MMDA General Manager Jose Arturo Garcia said they will join first the Metro Manila Council’s meeting to let the mayors know of the problems that the new traffic scheme may bring.
“Ito po ay isang MMC resolution so ang makakapagpatigil or makakapagbago po nito is the MMC, hindi po MMDA,” said Garcia.
The MMDA argued that they only want what’s convenient for motorists so they are thinking of ways to alleviate traffic problems in EDSA.
“We need to do something. Sabi nga namin, the reason why we’re doing this ay hindi para pahirapan ang ating mga kababayan. We’re doing this kasi nga we’re waiting for the long-term solution na infrastructure. (Ito ay) ginagawa na,” Garcia explained.
While waiting for the final decision, the MMDA calls on motorists to cooperate with the dry run of the HOV policy which will help assess if the new scheme is effective or not.
“Sa usapin ng HOV lane, walang masamang subukan lahat ng polisiya. Sa umpisa hindi natin gugustuhin. Marami tayong gustong baguhin. Pero pangatlong araw pa lang naman ng dry run ito. It’s too early to tell kung effective o hindi,” said MMDA Spokesperson Celine Pielago. – Joan Nano / Marje Pelayo
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