By Janine Dumaguin
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday, March 4 inspected several bus terminals in Cubao and Quezon City “to ensure the orderly and safe travel of passengers” during the Lenten break.
MMDA Chairperson Atty. Don Artes and Undersecretary Procopio Lipana led the inspection of the bus terminals of Five Star, Genesis Transport Services, and Baliwag Transit.
During the inspection, the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and the local government unit of Quezon City were also present.
According to Artes, all 42 bus drivers and conductors were negative in the random drug testing.
The MMDA chief further said that in order to accommodate the expected influx of passengers, provincial buses are allowed to traverse EDSA starting April 3 to 5, from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. and from April 6 to 10, round-the-clock.
It also mentioned that starting April 5, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. until April 10, the number coding scheme in the National Capital Region will be suspended.
To ensure safe and smooth traffic flow this Lenten season, the agency deployed a total of 2,104 personnel on major thoroughfares, major transport hubs, and key areas in the metropolis.
“Deployed personnel are also prohibited to be absent on April 5, 6, and 10, while skeletal deployment will be enforced on April 7, 8, and 9 to focus on the usual Visita Iglesia sites, including the Panata Route going to Antipolo and the Grotto,” the MMDA said.
Meanwhile, the Multi-Agency Command Center has started its monitoring on bus terminals across Metro Manila on April 3 and will last until April 6. –ag
