MMDA: NCR traffic heavier as 15K more vehicles monitored during rush hours

Traffic on some major roads in the National Capital Region (NCR) is now heavier as up to 15,000 more vehicles are monitored during rush hours, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Monday.

At the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing, MMDA traffic enforcement group director Victor Nuñez said more traffic volume is observed in EDSA and C-5 even on weekends.

“Ang latest count namin from two weeks ago ay parang dumagdag po ng 10,000 to 15,000 iyong traffic volume during rush hour especially iyong nakikita nating volume of vehicles along major thoroughfares, EDSA and C-5. Talagang medyo bumigat iyong traffic,” Nuñez said.

(Based on our latest count from the last two weeks, around 10,000 to 15,000 more vehicles added to the traffic volume during rush hour on major thoroughfares like EDSA and C-5. The traffic really got heavier.)

Earlier, the MMDA said it expected a 20% increase in the volume of vehicles plying EDSA during the holidays.

"Right now, we are at 409,000 (vehicles that passed through EDSA in a day)... pero may mga traffic management plans naman tayo and may mga measures tayong ginawa para mas maging maayos ang daloy ng trapiko," MMDA Assistant Secretary David Angelo Vargas said.

(Right now, we are at 409,000 but we have traffic management plans and measures to ensure the smooth flow of traffic.)

To address this, Nuñez said the MMDA personnel have been conducting clearing operations on Mabuhay Lanes to make sure motorists can use these alternative routes instead of major roads.

Aside from this, the MMDA also advised mall operators to adjust their operating hours for the Christmas season to 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. starting November 13.

Traffic enforcers’ night shift duty will be extended until midnight to manage the expected traffic. They will receive overtime pay for the extended hours of work.

They are also instructed to avoid apprehension of simple moving violations to prevent traffic congestion.

Also, the MMDA also temporarily suspended road reblocking works, excavation activities, pipe laying, road upgrading, and similar projects. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News