Manila – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) anticipates a decline in the number of violations along the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) busway following the implementation of stiffer fines. MMDA Task Force Special Operations Chief Bong Nebrija reported on Tuesday that 197 motorists were apprehended in various locations along the busway. This number represents a decrease from the morning apprehensions on Monday, where 409 violations were recorded despite the first day of increased penalties.
According to Philippines News Agency, Nebrija noted that many of the apprehended motorists were not aware of the increased fines, although they knew they were not allowed in the EDSA busway. He explained that there is typically an adjustment period of two to three days for both enforcers and motorists whenever a new policy is implemented. He expects the number of violations to continue decreasing, averaging fewer apprehensions in the bus lane in the coming weeks.
Following incidents of motorists attempting to escape after being apprehended, Nebrija said that those who attempted to flee were usually caught later and faced heavier penalties. Starting Monday, no escape attempts have been successful. The new regulations specify that those caught after attempting to flee will be penalized as third-time offenders, facing a PHP20,000 fine and a one-year license suspension. This increase in penalties also extends to motorcycle taxi riders, as one such incident involved a passenger screaming for the rider to stop during an escape attempt.
On Monday, the MMDA and the Inter-agency Council for Traffic began enforcing MMDA Regulation No. 23-002, which sets new penalties for violations of the EDSA busway. The updated fines are PHP5,000 for a first offense, PHP10,000 for a second offense plus a one-month license suspension, PHP20,000 for a third offense plus a one-year license suspension, and PHP30,000 for a fourth offense along with a recommendation for permanent revocation of the driver's license.