Hefty fines for EDSA bus lane violators start November 13

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will impose stiffer fines on motorists who are not authorized to use the EDSA Carousel exclusive for buses.

Starting Nov. 13, motorists entering the EDSA bus lane will be fined P5,000 on first offense.

For the second offense, violators will be fined P10,000 and their driver’s license suspended for a month, according to the MMDA. Violators will also be required to attend a seminar on road safety.

On third offense, violators will be fined P20,000 and their driver’s license suspended for a year.

Violators will have to pay P30,000 and their driver’s license might be revoked on fourth offense.

The EDSA busway is reserved for city buses and emergency vehicles such as ambulances and firetrucks.

Acting MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said the stiffer penalties would ensure that city buses will not be disrupted along EDSA.

Meanwhile, shopping malls have been advised to submit traffic management plans to the MMDA two weeks before holding sales or promotional events, in anticipation of road congestion in Metro Manila during the Christmas season.