MMDA explains importance of mall hours adjustment to ease EDSA traffic

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority on Tuesday proposed that mall hours be adjusted to help ease traffic on EDSA.

MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia said there are 17 malls along the stretch of EDSA. He added that these malls have around 2,000 to 3,000 employees.

For Garcia, these employees contribute to the traffic during rush hour so he is proposing for a schedule adjustment of malls.

He said it would be in their favor if the shopping centers would open late and close late.

However, Garcia admitted that implementing his proposal would be difficult as the MMDA could only ask for permission to change mall hours during Christmas season when there are numerous weekend sales.

This is not the first time the MMDA floated the proposal. Last year, the MMDA appealed to mall operators to delay their opening hours as it would minimize traffic.

READ: MMDA to malls: Delay opening time to ease traffic