TRAFFIC ADJUSTMENTS. In a strategic move to manage the holiday rush, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has announced that provincial buses will be permitted to travel along EDSA from December 20 to January 2. This decision, aimed at facilitating smoother travel during the festive period, was shared by MMDA Chair Romando Artes during a recent council meeting with Metro Manila mayors at the MMDA headquarters in Pasig City.
MANILA – To cope with the anticipated surge in passenger numbers over the holidays, provincial buses will be allowed to use Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) from December 20 to January 2. This adjustment is expected to enhance turnaround times and accommodate the increased travel demand.
According to a statement released on Friday, MMDA Chair Romando Artes specified that from December 20 to 25, buses can operate on EDSA between 10 p.m. and 5 p.m. Following this, from December 26 to January 2, buses will have unrestricted access to EDSA around the clock.
Artes highlighted that over 2,100 buses would take advantage of this holiday traffic arrangement. Buses from the northern regions will conclude their journeys in Cubao, Quezon City, while those from the south will end at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange in Pasay City.
Despite the expected rise in traffic volume during the Christmas season, Artes emphasized the importance of enabling bus operators to serve more passengers efficiently, ensuring quicker travel to their destinations. He also confirmed that this adjustment would not impact the operations of buses on the EDSA Carousel route.
Currently, EDSA sees approximately 464,000 vehicles daily, with projections indicating an increase to between 470,000 and 480,000 vehicles during the second and third weeks of December. During this time, the average travel speed on EDSA is expected to drop to 18 km/h, compared to the usual 21 km/h, and may further decline to 15 km/h as Christmas approaches.
Artes advised the public to plan their journeys carefully, taking into account the adjusted operating hours of malls during the holiday season. Additionally, MMDA traffic personnel will extend their duties until midnight, beyond the typical 10 p.m. cutoff.