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Advocates Philippines
MMDA Increases Fines For Bus Lanes Violators
Photo credit: DOTr
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has revealed plans to impose higher fines for violations of the exclusive city bus lane and bus carousel lane regulations along EDSA.
At a press conference, MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes expressed concern over the continuous violations of the exclusive bus lane by private vehicles, motorcycle riders, and other motor vehicles.
Artes stated, "To serve as a deterrent, the MMDA, through the Metro Manila Council, decided to increase the prescribed fines and impose corresponding suspension of driver's licenses, depending on the frequency of the offense."
Currently, the fine for violating the exclusive bus lane regulation stands at P1000 for each offense.
According to MMDA Regulation No. 23-002, the revised fines for the violation of exclusive city bus lane/EDSA carousel lane regulation for both public and private vehicles are as follows:
• First Offense – P5,000
• Second Offense – P10,000, plus one month suspension of driver's license, and mandatory participation in a road safety seminar
• Third Offense – P20,000, plus one year suspension of driver's license
• Fourth Offense – P30,000, plus a recommendation to the Land Transportation Office for the revocation of the driver's license
Artes clarified that the increase in penalties is not intended to target any particular socio-economic group, stating, "Based on our data and observation, there are those who are willing to pay the P1000 fines and violate the exclusivity of the bus lane because they can afford it... kalimitan kotse ng mayayaman."
The MMDA will conduct information campaigns to inform the public about the increased fines before their full implementation.
Regarding the proposed "no window hour" coding scheme, Artes noted that the date of implementation is yet to be determined.
He explained, "We will assess the situation of Metro Manila roads from November 6 to 12, after the return of vacationers from the provinces for the Undas break. We expect a 15 to 20% increase in vehicle volume as the holiday nears, and that's when we will decide whether or not to implement the 7 am to 7 pm number coding scheme in Metro Manila."
He emphasized that the current number coding hours (7 am to 10 am and 5 pm to 8 pm) will still be observed.
At a press conference, MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes expressed concern over the continuous violations of the exclusive bus lane by private vehicles, motorcycle riders, and other motor vehicles.
Artes stated, "To serve as a deterrent, the MMDA, through the Metro Manila Council, decided to increase the prescribed fines and impose corresponding suspension of driver's licenses, depending on the frequency of the offense."
Currently, the fine for violating the exclusive bus lane regulation stands at P1000 for each offense.
According to MMDA Regulation No. 23-002, the revised fines for the violation of exclusive city bus lane/EDSA carousel lane regulation for both public and private vehicles are as follows:
• First Offense – P5,000
• Second Offense – P10,000, plus one month suspension of driver's license, and mandatory participation in a road safety seminar
• Third Offense – P20,000, plus one year suspension of driver's license
• Fourth Offense – P30,000, plus a recommendation to the Land Transportation Office for the revocation of the driver's license
Artes clarified that the increase in penalties is not intended to target any particular socio-economic group, stating, "Based on our data and observation, there are those who are willing to pay the P1000 fines and violate the exclusivity of the bus lane because they can afford it... kalimitan kotse ng mayayaman."
The MMDA will conduct information campaigns to inform the public about the increased fines before their full implementation.
Regarding the proposed "no window hour" coding scheme, Artes noted that the date of implementation is yet to be determined.
He explained, "We will assess the situation of Metro Manila roads from November 6 to 12, after the return of vacationers from the provinces for the Undas break. We expect a 15 to 20% increase in vehicle volume as the holiday nears, and that's when we will decide whether or not to implement the 7 am to 7 pm number coding scheme in Metro Manila."
He emphasized that the current number coding hours (7 am to 10 am and 5 pm to 8 pm) will still be observed.
Oct 26, 2023
