MMDA: Over 330 apprehended so far over EDSA Busway violation

Over 330 violators have been apprehended so far on the first day of the implementation of stiffer penalties for the illegal use of the EDSA Busway on Monday, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said.

In an update at 11 a.m., the MMDA said a total of 333 individuals have been apprehended so far.

Private motorists who will use the EDSA bus lane will face stiffer penalties of up to P30,000 starting this Monday.

The Metro Manila Council (MMC) earlier 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,” MMDA chairperson Romando Artes had said.

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

For this year, more than 11,000 EDSA bus lane violators have been recorded as of November 10, according to the MMDA. —KG, GMA Integrated News