Alternative routes for e-bikes in NCR eyed
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will meet local government units (LGUS) in the National Capital Region (NCR) to identify alternative routes for e-bikes, e-trikes, and other light vehicles that are prohibited from traveling on major thoroughfares in the metropolis.
MMDA Chairman Don Artes said the identification of alternative routes will be included in the information dissemination drive in compliance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order to defer the strict implementation of the ban for one month.
“The information dissemination is enough as far as prohibition is concerned. Maybe, what is lacking is the alternative routes. We were not able to release enough information that they are banned from these roads and not from these roads,” said Artes.
At least 20 major roads in Metro Manila were identified by the MMDA to be off limits to e-trikes, e-bikes, and other light vehicles like tricycles and pedicabs.
Artes said the one-month period is enough to maximize information dissemination through traditional media, the social media of LGUS, and even through the riders that they would apprehend.
He said that what the President would want to defer is the issuance of ticket violations and the impounding of e-bikes, e-trikes, and other light vehicles. More than 250 apprehensions have been made and 69 were impounded so far.
Artes said they will also meet the LGUS to study if the President’s order would be retroactive, especially that there are e-trikes and other light vehicles impounded due to other violations like plying a route without a franchise from the LGUS.
Artes said the MMDA will issue traffic violations receipts and impound and continue apprehending violators as part of the information drive.
“On May 18, we are planning to fully implement the ban after an information drive of the MMDA and LGUS,” said Artes.
He, however, said that a recommendation will still be presented to the President on whether or not the ban would be implemented starting May 18 or if there is a need to further extend it.
Marcos has ordered the MMDA to defer the strict ban of e-trikes, ebikes, and other similar light vehicles in major roads in Metro Manila.
Artes, however, appealed to the e-trike and e-bike users to start following the regulations on the ban.