MMDA: EDSA bus lane violations down

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 21) — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has recorded a huge drop in the number of violators of the exclusive EDSA bus lane after stiffer penalties were imposed.

Speaking to CNN Philippines' The Source on Tuesday, MMDA chairman Don Artes said 62 motorists were apprehended on Monday – a far cry from the more than 500 logged a week ago.

Most of the violators were motorcycle and private vehicles, Artes added.

The MMDA raised the ₱1,000 penalty for the illegal use of the busway to ₱5,000 for the first offense, and up to ₱30,000 with revocation of driver's license for the fourth offense.

Authorities have also issued an order reiterating the rules on the use of the EDSA bus lane.

On-duty ambulances, fire trucks, police vehicles, and government vehicles «performing duties and responsibilities within the busway» can also pass through.

The country's top five officials – the president, vice president, Senate president, House speaker, and Chief Justice – are also allowed to use the busway.