Photo credit: MMDA

We all know that the holiday season in Metro Manila is practically synonymous with heavier traffic. It’s that time of the year when streets become parking lots, and getting anywhere on time becomes a challenge. But don’t fret just yet! The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has just revealed its traffic management strategies to make navigating the city a little less stressful this Christmas season.

In a recent meeting, MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes shared that they’ve gotten the backing of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), as well as shopping mall operators, utility companies, and other key stakeholders. Together, they’re rolling out several plans aimed at easing the holiday gridlock.

“We have to step in to reduce traffic congestion, especially since the number of vehicles on the road increases dramatically during this time,” Artes explained during a press briefing at the MMDA Head Office in Pasig City.

What’s on the MMDA's To-Do List?

Here’s a breakdown of some of the measures the MMDA is putting in place:

1. No Digging – Starting midnight of November 18 until December 25, all road excavation activities (like road reblocking, pipe-laying, and road upgrades) will be paused. This will help keep the roads clear. However, important government projects and emergency repairs won’t be affected by this moratorium.

2. Mall Adjustments – Ever noticed how malls add to the traffic chaos? This year, mall operators have agreed to start their day a little later. From November 18 to December 25, malls will open at 11 a.m. instead of 10 a.m. But if you’re wondering about closing times, that’s still up to the mall’s discretion. MMDA is encouraging malls to extend their hours, allowing shoppers to finish their holiday errands without adding to the daytime traffic jam.

3. No Mall-Wide Sales – Yep, you read that right. Large-scale mall-wide sales are off the table this holiday season. But don’t worry, individual store promotions can still happen—just no big, flashy announcements to draw crowds.

4. Nighttime Deliveries Only – Mall deliveries will only be allowed at night, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., so don’t expect to see trucks clogging up the roads during the day. Exceptions will be made for perishable goods, though, so your holiday feast plans are safe!

5. Extended Public Transport Hours – To ease the burden on late-night shoppers and employees, the MMDA is planning to ask the Department of Transportation to extend the operating hours for public transportation like the EDSA Bus Carousel, MRT, and LRT systems.

Working Together for a Smoother Holiday Season

With 421,000 vehicles traversing EDSA daily (yes, that’s a staggering number), the MMDA is doing what it can to manage the situation. And they’re not doing it alone! Major players like SM Malls, Robinson's, Ayala Malls, Meralco, and even telecom giants like PLDT and Globe are on board to help.

So while the holiday rush may still come with its usual challenges, at least we can expect some relief on the roads. Here’s to hoping the Christmas traffic in Metro Manila will be a bit more bearable this year!