Metropolitan Manila Development Authority acting chair Don Artes (PNA photo by Joey Razon)
MANILA – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Friday bared its traffic management measures for the upcoming "Undas" (All Saints' and All Souls' Days) and the holiday season.
MMDA acting chair Don Artes said increased traffic measures would start on Oct. 27 until Jan. 8 next year to address expected traffic congestion.
“We are working together with transportation officials to ensure that public transportation systems like the MRT, LRT, and EDSA Bus Carousel are prepared to accommodate the commuting public, so motorists can leave their vehicles someplace and take public transportation. We also encourage the public to use the Pasig River Ferry Service and avail of free rides that are convenient and traffic-free,” Artes said in a statement.
A total of 1,448 traffic enforcers and other personnel from the Traffic Discipline Office, Road Emergency Group, Metro Parkways Clearing Group, and Task Force Special Operations will be deployed in key areas in the National Capital Region (NCR).
The hotspots include the Manila North Cemetery, Makati South Cemetery, Bagbag Public Cemetery, Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City and the San Juan Public Cemetery.
“The MMDA is prepared to take action to manage traffic, conduct cleanup operations, provide public assistance in case of road emergencies, and clear roads of obstructions ahead of Undas," he said.
To ensure a sufficient number of enforcers, he said a “no day off, no absent policy” will be strictly enforced among traffic personnel.
In addition, the MMDA will enforce a temporary suspension of excavation activities and road works throughout NCR beginning midnight of Nov. 13 until midnight of Jan. 8, 2024.
Exempted from the moratorium are flagship projects of the government, bridge repair and construction, as well as other necessary infrastructure projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways.
On the other hand, shopping mall operators are required to submit a traffic management plan to the MMDA for their sales days as well as other promotional events two weeks in advance.
Mall-wide sales are allowed during weekends only and deliveries from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Mall operating hours will be adjusted from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. beginning Nov. 13.
From the same day until Jan. 8, the MMDA will extend the nighttime duty of traffic enforcers until mifnight.
Traffic enforcers have been ordered to avoid grouping and the unnecessary use of mobile phones while on duty.
“Traffic management shall be prioritized. Thus, apprehension of simple moving violations which may cause traffic congestion shall be avoided,” he said.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has released special permits for additional public utility buses.
The measure is meant to address the expected influx of commuters during the barangay elections on Oct. 30 and Undas on Nov. 1 and 2. (PNA)
