EDSA malls extend operating hours to 11p.m.

Several mall operators along Epifanio Delos Santos (EDSA) have agreed to extend their operating hours that will not only give the public more time to do their Christmas shopping but likewise help ease traffic congestion during the Yuletide season.

Starting Dec. 1, 2015 until Jan. 3, 2016, shopping malls and department stores along Edsa and major thoroughfares will extend operating hours to 11 p.m.

During weekends, commercials establishments are regularly open from 10 am to 9 p.m. or 10p.m.

During a meeting at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority main office in Makati City, MMDA Chairman Emerson Carlos and 15 mall operators signed a manifesto of support for adjusting mall operating hours to minimize traffic in Metro Manila during the Holidays.

Malls which agreed to implement the new scheme include Robinsons, SM Malls, Ayala, Shangri-La Plaza, Farmers Plaza, Gateway Mall, Greenfield Development Corp., Eastwood City, The Podium, Eton Centris and Walter Mart.

“This has been a yearly practice for us to sign this agreement in order to ease vehicular and pedestrian traffic during the holiday season,” Carlos said as he lauded the cooperation of the mall operators.

Under the same manifesto, mall owners will be coordinating with the MMDA during special events like weekend sale promotions, special shows, earthquake drills and the like.

One of the mall operators said that in instances like concerts and the perennial New Year’s Countdown, the malls close way beyond 11 p.m.

Carlos reminded the mall operators to provide the MMDA with the schedule of special events for the agency to make an adjustment of the traffic management in their respective areas.

Based on the agency’s records, vehicle volume in Metro Manila roads increase by as much as 20 percent during the Christmas season.