MMDA to prepare for heavy traffic during holiday rush in EDSA, other major roads

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said it's anticipating heavy traffic during the holiday rush following an increase in the number of vehicles using EDSA this year.

Citing MMDA General Manager Procopio Lipana, The Philippine STAR reported that an average of 421,699 vehicles have been using EDSA on a daily basis as of Monday, Oct. 7, which is higher than last year's record at 407,342.

Lipana said in a dzBB interview that the agency would "continuously monitor" the number of cars traversing EDSA and other major roads until December.

He added that the MMDA will reinstate previous programs like schedule changes of shopping malls, regular clearing of Mabuhay lanes or alternate routes, and a temporary prohibition on road diggings in an effort to prevent main roads from being congested during the Christmas season.

Self-discipline among motorists as well as street vendors is also encouraged to avoid traffic jams.

Lipana likewise asked local government officials to help the MMDA sustain cleared roads.

Metro Manila was among the 387 metro areas with the worst traffic congestion in the world in 2023. This was according to TomTom, a multinational traffic data provider and location technology specialist, which defined metro area as "a circle covering the city and rural areas in close proximity."

The 2023 TomTom Traffic Index revealed that local motorists in Manila spent an average travel time of 25 minutes and 30 seconds per 10 kilometers last year. This is 50 seconds longer than it took to cover the same distance in 2022. (with reports from Ghio Ong)