MMDA allows provincial buses on EDSA on Day of Valor, Holy Week

Metro Manila, Philippines - Provincial buses will be allowed to pass through the Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) on select days in April in light of the expected traffic rush, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Friday, April 4.

The MMDA said provincial buses will be allowed on the major thoroughfare from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. on April 9 (Day of Valor) and April 16 to April 20 (Holy Wednesday to Easter Sunday).

“Kaya nga pinayagan natin sila na mag-24 hours provided na by April 21, which is a Monday, bawal na sila diyan, kailangan by 5 am malinis na ang kalsada,” MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said in a press briefing.

[Translation: That's why we allowed them to operate 24 hours, provided that by April 21, which is a Monday, they must no longer be there. The road must be clean by 5 AM]

He said buses coming from northern Luzon should end their trips in Cubao, Quezon City, while vehicles coming from the south should stop in terminals in Pasay City.

The agency, meanwhile, said it will carry out a “no absent, no day off” policy for its field personnel to check traffic situations starting April 16.

According to the MMDA, over 2,500 personnel are deployed for the Holy Week exodus.

“Our field personnel and assets will be positioned on major thoroughfares leading to transport hubs and key areas in the metropolis to manage traffic flow and guide motorists and commuters,” said Artes.

The MMDA added that the number coding scheme for private vehicles is suspended on Maundy Thursday and Holy Friday.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Lance Mejico contributed to this report