Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 17) — Nine bus terminals along EDSA were ordered closed on Thursday by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Quezon City government.
MMDA Chairman Danny Lim said the terminals were inspected months ago and informed of their violations. He was accompanied by officials of the Quezon City Business Permit and Licensing Office during the crackdown.
“Na-warningan na, nasabihin na sila ng deficiencies. Di pa rin nila na- correct, mainly nose-in, nose-out policy…Eventually ang gusto natin itong EDSA mawalan na ng terminals, lalo na galing sa probinsya, para di na makadagdag sa traffic,” said Lim.
[Translation: They have been given warnings and been informed if their deficiencies. But they haven’t taken action; these are mostly violations of the nose-in, nose-out policy…Eventually, we want EDSA to be free of terminals, especially of buses coming from the provinces, so they don’t add to traffic.]
The MMDA’s “nose-in, nose-out” policy requires enough space in terminals to allow buses to enter and exit, and avoid causing traffic while maneuvering on EDSA.
The bus terminals were also cited for other violations such as expired business permits, a lack of permits for terminal garage and cargo forwarding, and employees without occupational permits, officials said.
The terminals closed were:
Amihan Bus Lines Inc.
ES Transport Inc.
First North Luzon Transit Inc. (two terminals)
Golden Bee Transport and Logistics Corp.
Jac Liner Inc
Lucena Lines Inc.
Pangasinan Five Star Bus Company
Philtranco Service Enterprises Inc.
Quezon City licensing officials said the terminals’ owners can appeal their closure order, and reopen as soon as they comply with regulations.
The MMDA had earlier closed down six bus terminals also along EDSA in Quezon City and Pasay City.
