Road-ready Holy Week: MMDA’s plan to ease travel of commuters, motorists

 

by: Gelaine Gutierrez

QUEZON CITY (PIA) — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) intensifies its traffic management and deployment plans to ensure the smooth and safe travels of thousands of motorists and commuters in Metro Manila during the observance of Holy Week from April 13 to 20.

According to MMDA Chair Atty. Don Artes, their field personnel and  assets will be posted along major roads across Metro Manila in anticipation of increased traffic as people travel to provinces for the holidays or participate in religious activities in the city.

“Our field personnel and assets will be positioned on major thoroughfares leading to transport hubs and key areas in the metropolis to manage traffic flow and guide motorists and commuters,” Artes stated in a press conference.

Here’s how MMDA will ensure smooth and safe travel this Semana Santa:

• 2,542 traffic personnel and 468 assets, including tow trucks, motorcycles, and patrol cars, will be deployed across major roads in Metro Manila.
• The MMDA Command Center in Pasig City will monitor 24/7 using real-time CCTV surveillance.
• A “No Day Off, No Absent” policy for field traffic personnel begins April 16, with skeletal deployment from April 18 to 20 to cover major Visita Iglesia routes.
• The Road Emergency Group, along with ambulances and tow trucks, will be on standby. Help desks will also be available at bus terminals to provide first aid and commuter assistance.
• Road clearing and cleaning operations will be done continuously to ensure smooth flow for both pedestrians and vehicles.
• Provincial buses will be allowed to access EDSA on April 9 from 10 pm to 5 am and 24/7 from April 16-20. Northbound trips will end in Cubao, Quezon City, and southbound in Pasay.
• The Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) or the number coding scheme is suspended on April 17 (Maundy Thursday) and April 18 (Good Friday).
• Road reblocking and repairs will start on April 16 at 11:00 p.m., and all affected roads will be cleared by April 21 at 5:00 a.m.

The MMDA reminds commuters to prioritize their safety by avoiding unregistered (colorum) and out-of-line vehicles. For traffic updates, road assistance, or other concerns, the public may contact the MMDA Metrobase Hotline at 136. (GLDG/PIA-NCR)