Caution urged on ban of single-passenger cars along EDSA

SENATOR Grace S. Poe-Llamanzares on Wednesday urged the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) not to rush the implementation of the proposal banning single-passenger cars along EDSA.

In interview with reporters, Ms. Llamanzares, who chairs the Senate committee on public services, said the MMDA must ensure the inner roads around EDSA should be cleared first before enforcing the proposal to ensure smoother traffic flow.

She also asked the metro traffic agency to conduct a dry run on the proposal, study carefully the matter, and publish a clear set of guidelines.

“What I can say is that they should not be careless... This can be done in other countries and it’s successful because they have many alternate routes In our country, EDSA is our main thoroughfare. Other roads are congested,” she said.

“Unless you can guarantee the illegally parked vehicles in Mabuhay Lanes are removed and cleaned in coordination with local governments, do not just ban vehicles from plying EDSA,” she added.

The MMDA earlier 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. This meant single-rider cars or those without passengers will not be allowed along the major thoroughfare.

For his part, Grab Philippines country head Brian P. Cu said the company will dialogue with authorities and regulators to seek clarity on the proposal, given that its ride-sharing vehicles may be affected. He also said similar systems existed in other countries as well to which Grab had adjusted accordingly.

“Rest assured we will do our best to also make it work here. We have always advocated ways to improve mobility. We already have Grab Share here, and Grab Hitch in Singapore, supporting the same principle in ride-sharing. Grab has improved mobility in five years and we will continue to do so,” Mr. Cu said in his Facebook post. —