Violators of EDSA bus lane face stiffer fines: MMDA

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority yesterday said it will raise the fines for violators of the exclusive bus carousel lane on Epifanio de los Santos Ave. (EDSA), noting private vehicles repeatedly disregard the rules.

“To serve as a deterrent, the MMDA, through the Metro Manila Council, decided to increase the prescribed fines and impose a corresponding suspension of driver’s license depending on the frequency of the offense,” MMDA chief Romando Artes said.

The current fine for violating the exclusive bus lane regulation is P1,000 for each offense.

Under MMDA Regulation No. 23-002, the increased fines for the violation of the bus lane for both public and private vehicles are:

First Offense – P5,000; Second Offense – P10,000 plus one-month suspension of driver’s license and required to undergo a road safety seminar;

Third Offense – P20,000 plus one-year suspension of driver’s license; and Fourth Offense – P30,000 plus recommendation revocation of driver’s license.

Artes said the agency will first conduct information campaigns to raise the awareness of the public before the full implementation of the new fines.

He said there are many drivers of private vehicles, motorcycle riders, and other motor vehicles who continually use the exclusive bus lane despite constant warnings and reminders from the agency.

The bus carousel lane is for the exclusive use of public utility buses, ambulances, and marked government vehicles responding to emergencies.

San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora, who heads the MMC, said the council has approved the new fines and penalties. – With Christian Oineza