MMDA forms new busway task force

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) launched yesterday a new task force to apprehend motorists illegally using the EDSA Bus Carousel.

The group, which will be under the direct supervision of MMDA assistant general manager for operations David Vargas, will focus on cracking down on busway violators.

Vargas said enforcers would have body-worn cameras. The “feed cannot be edited and the device cannot be turned off,” he said.

The MMDA reported that at least 53 motorists have illegally used the busway, among them 32 motorcyclists as well as drivers of 16 private vehicles, three vans, a public utility bus and a public utility jeep. The PUB driver was included since only authorized buses are permitted on the busway.

Since imposing higher fines starting Nov. 13, busway violators dropped from 1,262 in the first week to 345 last week, the MMDA said.