Press Release
August 8, 2018

'WAG PADALOS-DALOS': POE TELLS MMDA TO CAREFULLY STUDY PLAN ON SINGLE-RIDER SCHEME ON EDSA

Sen. Grace Poe today cautioned the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) against hastily implementing a scheme banning single-passenger cars on traffic-laden EDSA.

Poe, who chairs the Senate committee on public services, said the MMDA, in coordination with local governments in the metropolis, should conduct a dry run and study and publish a clear set of guidelines before implementing the plan.

"Ang masasabi ko lamang ay huwag padalos-dalos. Baka puwedeng magkaroon ng isang araw na subukan nila yan kung ano ang mangyayari at magkaroon ng bukas na pagdinig. Kasi hindi puwedeng unilateral at sasabihing 'o ngayon ganito na.' Magkaroon muna ng trial period tapos tingnan natin kung ito ba'y magiging epektibo," Poe told reporters.

The MMDA said the Metro Manila Council composed of metro mayors has already approved the so-called high occupancy vehicle scheme which will be implemented on EDSA during rush hours, wherein single-rider cars or those without passengers will not be allowed along the major thoroughfare.

Poe stressed that inner roads should also be first cleared of illegally parked vehicles and structures to ensure smoother traffic flow.

"Puwedeng ginagawa 'yan sa ibang bansa at matagumpay kasi marami silang alternate routes. Dito sa ating bansa, EDSA ang main thoroughfare natin, ang mga puwedeng daanan sa iba't ibang kalsada ay barado," Poe added.

"Unless you can guarantee na ang mga illegally parked vehicles dun sa Mabuhay Lanes ay tatanggalin ninyo at malilinis ninyo in coordination with local governments, huwag kayong basta-basta magsasabi na hindi na puwedeng dumaan sa EDSA. Dapat in coordination 'yan [with local governments]. Malinis na ba ang side routes na daraanan? Kayo ba'y nagkaroon na ng trial period para siguraduhin kung ano ba ang magiging epekto nito?" the senator said.

Poe noted that at least 60 percent of drivers traversing EDSA will be affected once the scheme is implemented.

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