400+ violators of EDSA bus lane meted stiff fines

MORE than 400 motorists were apprehended yesterday and slapped with stiff fines as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority cracked down on violators of the exclusive bus lane on EDSA during the first day of the implementation of the agency’s new policy.

Data provided by the agency showed 409 motorists – private and unmarked government vehicles – were apprehended by traffic enforcers for violating the new MMDA policy from 7 a.m. to 5 a.m.

They were accosted in front of SM Megamall northbound, Cubao, in front of Baliwag Transit terminal northbound; and Magallanes going to Taft.

One of those accosted, according to MMDA Task Force Special Operations and Anti-Colorum Unit chief Edison Nebrija, is an employee of the agency who was meted a P5,000 fine.

Three other motorcycle riders who tried to run away from enforcers before being reeled in were meted a P30,000 fine each.

“Our first apprehension ran away but eventually got caught. He claimed to be a member of Pinoy Ninja, but his moves were no match to our riders,” Nebrija said, adding the rider was slapped with an automatic third offense, fined P20,000, and his driver’s license suspended for one year.

“Like what I said, do not test our resolve to enforce the law, we will get you,” he added.

Since the start of this year, the agency has noticed an increasing number of violators of the EDSA bus lane that MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes had chalked up to the measly P1,000 fine.

Last January, MMDA traffic enforcers accosted 493 violators, 630 in February; 627 in March; 172 in April; 195 in May; 1,916 in June; 4,395 in July; 1, 021 in August; 928 in September; 898 in October, and from November 1 to 10, 296 motorists so far.

Under the new policy contained in MMDA Regulation 23-002, motorists who violate the bus lane will be fined P5,000 (first offense); P10,000 for the second offense plus one-month suspension of the driver’s license and undergoing a road safety seminar; while a fine of P20,000 and a one-year suspension of driver’s license will be imposed on those making a third offense.

A fine of P30,000 will be imposed on those making a fourth offense and a recommendation to the Land Transportation Office to revoke the