Limited run for light trucks on EDSA, Shaw in place from Mar 15-18

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Three vehicular volume reduction measures, including limited operation of light trucks during rush hour, proposed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Agency (MMDA) have been given the green light at a recent meeting of the Metro Manila Council (MMC), MMDA’s policy-making body.

From March 15 to 18, MMDA will conduct a trial run to limit the movement of light trucks along EDSA and the entire stretch of Shaw Boulevard, which traverses the cities of Mandaluyong and Pasig. This is a departure from the initial three-month test run proposed until June 15. Full implementation of the policy will be on March 20.

The dry run will be from 6am to 10am for EDSA Southbound (North Ave to Magallanes) and the whole stretch of Shaw Boulevard (Mandaluyong and Pasig) and 5pm to 10pm for EDSA Northbound (Magallanes to North Ave) and the whole stretch of Shaw Blvd (Mandaluyong and Pasig).

Under the approved MMC resolution, trucks which have a gross capacity weight of 4,500 kilograms and below will not be allowed to pass EDSA and Shaw Boulevard.

The uniform light-truck ban will be enforced from Mondays to Saturdays except Sundays and holidays, the resolution said.

Light trucks carrying perishable goods are exempt but still need to apply for exemption. Also not covered by the ban are government and emergency vehicles such as fire trucks and ambulances.

Under the resolution, violators will be slapped with a P2,000 fine.

MMDA general manager Thomas Orbos cited a need to regulate light trucks on the roads, saying they also contribute significantly to traffic congestion.

“This is only one of the several measures that (have) been approved by the local executives during the meeting in an effort to further improve traffic condition in Metro Manila,” Orbos said.

Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines executive director Norman Adriano told PortCalls the order will “affect deliveries to supermarkets/groceries” but that there shouldn’t be worries as retailers, stores, and supermarkets along EDSA and Shaw Boulevard “can adjust their receiving time.”

He added that the measure “is easy to adapt to.”

The two other proposals approved by the MMC are the transfer of the Southwest Integrated Provincial Terminal elsewhere (venue not yet determined), which is expected to take out at least 1,000 buses from EDSA; and the expansion of Roxas Boulevard/Baclaran (northbound) by clearing and regulating illegal terminals and illegal parking so motorists can use additional lanes along the service road.

Meanwhile, a newly formed consultative council of transport groups and government agencies has favored the continued adoption of the all-day odd-even scheme.

The Metro Manila Transport Consultative Council (MMTCC) was created after a recent consultative meeting with the MMDA regarding a proposed modified odd-even scheme.

The council favored last weekend the adoption of a full-day odd-even scheme over the MMDA-proposed odd-even scheme that bans private cars on EDSA in three two-hour intervals. The full-day scheme is considered less confusing and easier to follow than the MMDA proposal.

The MMTCC is composed of government agencies, transport leaders, commuters’ safety advocates, motorcycle riders’ organizations, and public utility vehicle operators.

Image courtesy of vectorolie at FreeDigitalPhotos.net