MMDA earns P2.4 M from truck ban

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has earned P2.46 million within a week after it banned light trucks on EDSA.

Data taken from the MMDA’s public information office (PIO) showed that the agency’s enforcers apprehended 1,234 erring truck drivers who violated the policy from March 20 to 24. 

The PIO said the drivers were fined P2,000 each. 

MMDA officer-in-charge Tim Orbos said in a forum that the truck ban has significantly reduced the travel time on EDSA by at least five minutes. 

Aside from reducing travel time, Orbos noted that around 3,000 light trucks were removed from EDSA when they started the project last Monday, which means providing more road space to private motorists during rush hours. 

The 17 manila mayors approved the truck ban policy during a recent Metro Manila Council meeting at the MMDA office in Makati City.

Under the truck ban, light trucks going south are not allowed on EDSA from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. while northbound trucks are banned on EDSA from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The MMDA has also prohibited trucks coming from Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City going to Pasig City and vice versa from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

 “The truck ban really helped to solve traffic. I think we should not look into the numbers apprehended. It would be better if there will be no more violators,” Orbos said.