Bus lane violators to face stiffer fines —MMDA

Stiffer penalties will soon be imposed for private motorists who will use the EDSA bus lane, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced Wednesday.

The MMDA said that the Metro Manila Council (MMC) has approved a resolution increasing the penalty for those who will use the exclusive city bus lane/bus carousel lane along EDSA.

Under MMDA Regulation No. 23-002, the increased fines for the violation for both public and private vehicles are:

• First offense – P5,000

• Second offense – P10,000 plus one month suspension of driver’s license, and required to undergo a road safety seminar

• Third offense – P20,000 plus one year suspension of driver’s license

• Fourth offense – P30,000 plus recommendation to Land Transportation Office for revocation of driver’s license

“Based on our data and observation, there are those who are willing to pay the P1,000 fines and violate the exclusivity of the bus lane because they can afford it,” said MMDA chairperson Romando Artes.

“Kalimitan kotse ng mayayaman (usually, vehicles of wealthy people),” he added.

Before the full implementation of the adjustment on penalties, Artes said the MMDA will first conduct information campaigns so that the public is aware of the increased fines.

The MMDA also said that fines for violations on the regulations in road diggings, excavations, and restorations in the region will also be increased.

Artes said that from P1,000-P25,000, violating contractors will soon face P15,000, P20,000, or P50,000 of fines.

The MMDA will also make an announcement on the date of its implementation. —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News