MMDA to open 14 motorcyclist lay-bys amid rainy season

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Friday said it would set up 14 lay-bys under flyovers along EDSA, C5, and Commonwealth Avenue to shelter motorcyclists from downpours amid the rainy season.

MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes said the agency aims to open the lay-bys to the public by July.

“The establishment of emergency lay-bys along major thoroughfares aims to provide temporary shelter for motorcycle riders during rainfall,” Artes said after inspecting a lay-by at the Quezon  Avenue flyover.

According to Artes, 1-Rider Partylist  Representative Rodge Gutierrez wrote a letter to the MMDA last week asking for the status of the agency’s plan for motorcycle rain shelters.

"The data requested would aid us in determining the required legislation to assist the MMDA and local government units regarding the traffic situation in our country," Gutierrez said in the May 21 letter.

The MMDA added that motorcycle taxi ride-hailing service Angkas would donate 10 bicycle repair shops with basic repair and vulcanizing tools.

On Wednesday, state weather bureau PAGASA declared the start of the rainy season in the country.

''Moreover, the high chance of La Niña conditions [developing] by the  July-August-September period increases the likelihood of above-normal rainfall conditions in some areas of the country, especially towards the end of the year,'' PAGASA added. — DVM, GMA Integrated News