Poe to MMDA: Don't be too hasty on EDSA driver-only car ban
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Grace Poe has cautioned the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority against rushing into the implementation of the scheme banning single-passenger cars during rush hours on EDSA.
Poe, who chairs the Senate committee on public services, suggested that the MMDA should conduct a dry run first. She added that they should also carefully study the scheme and publish a clear set of guidelines before pushing through with its implementation.
"Ang masasabi ko lamang ay huwag padalos-dalos. Baka puwedeng magkaroon ng isang araw na subukan nila yan kung ano ang mangyayari at magkaroon ng bukas na pagdinig. Kasi hindi puwedeng unilateral at sasabihing 'o ngayon ganito na.' Magkaroon muna ng trial period tapos tingnan natin kung ito ba’y magiging epektibo," Poe told reporters on Wednesday.
Poe added that inner roads should also be first cleared of illegally parked vehicles and structures to ensure smoother traffic flow.
"Unless you can guarantee na ang mga illegally parked vehicles dun sa Mabuhay Lanes ay tatanggalin ninyo at malilinis ninyo in coordination with local governments, huwag kayong basta-basta magsasabi na hindi na puwedeng dumaan sa EDSA. Dapat in coordination 'yan [with local governments]. Malinis na ba ang side routes na daraanan? Kayo ba'y nagkaroon na ng trial period para siguraduhin kung ano ba ang magiging epekto nito?" the senator said.
Motorist group Automobile Association Philippines also on Wednesday expressed misgivings about the plan which seeks to ease traffic.
"While I agree we clear some lanes, I don't quite agree that those with only one person in the vehicle should be banned completely on EDSA," AAP President Gus Lagman told ANC in an interview.
The scheme, set to be implemented this month, would only allow vehicles with two or more passengers to traverse EDSA during rush hours. MMDA said the Metro Manila Council composed of Metro Manila mayors already approved the so-called high occupancy vehicle scheme.
Poe said at least 60 percent of drivers traversing EDSA would be affected by the scheme.
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