MMDA starts implementation of stiffer fines for illegal use of EDSA Bus Lane
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has warned motorists anew not to use the EDSA Bus Lane to escape traffic jams especially during the morning and rush hours as it starts the implementation of higher penalties for the violators starting Monday, Nov. 13.
MMDA chairman Don Artes said he will personally lead the first day of the implementation of agency’s Regulation No. 23-002 at 6 a.m. to ensure that those who would dare to violate the policy will suffer the consequences.
“The increase in penalties for EDSA bus lane violators is for the safety of motorists and undisrupted travel of authorized city buses plying in the exclusive lane,” said Artes.
The undisrupted flow of traffic along EDSA Bus Lane, according to Artes, assures faster turnaround time of buses and benefits lots of commuters since each bus usually carries 50 to 60 passengers.
Under the MMDA Regulation which was approved by the Metro Manila Council, the increased fines for the violation of exclusive city bus lane/EDSA carousel lane regulation for both public and private vehicles are:
1st Offense – P5,000
2nd Offense – P10,000 plus one month suspension of driver’s license, and required to undergo a road safety seminar
3rd Offense – P20,000 plus one year suspension of driver’s license
4th Offense – P30,000 plus recommendation to Land Transportation Office for revocation of driver’s license
In a show of force to warn the motorists, Artes said he will be joined by Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Vigor Mendoza II and officials of the police’s Highway Patrol Group on Monday morning.
This, after Artes revealed that there are motorists who would evade apprehension by speeding off their vehicles when flagged down.
"These EDSA bus lane violators will be reported to the Land Transportation Office and penalties will be attached to the vehicle owners," said Artes.
Artes also emphasized that the increased fines apply on both drivers of public and private vehicles who are not authorized to use the exclusive bus lane.