MMDA to provide tents at gas stations to help riders take shelter from rains
The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) plans to help motorcycle riders take shelter from heavy rains by providing tents at gas stations.
Speaking with reporters, MMDA acting chairman Romando Artes said that they are planning to have an arrangement with gas stations along EDSA for tents to be put up on their premises.
These tents will be used as temporary shelters for riders during the rainy season.
"Isa po sa nakikita naming solution ay kakausapin po natin 'yung mga gasoline stations. MMDA na po ang maglalagay ng mga tents para doon po sila sumilong," Artes said.
The move comes as the government agency has taken notice of how motorcycle riders flock under pedestrian overpasses and footbridges to seek cover from the rain. According to the MMDA, this may endanger them from being hit by other vehicles as well as cause traffic congestion.
"Imagine mo, nasa highway ka, titigil ka doon, pwede kang masagasaan or mabangga kapag hindi ka napansin ng ibang nagmamaneho ng sasakyan," Artes stressed.
"Kung 30 minutes to an hour ang ulan, hindi sila umaalis hangga’t hindi tumitila. Minsan isang lane na lang ang nadadaanan na nagko-cause po ng sobrang traffic," he added.
Because of this, the riders may be charged with obstructing traffic and be fined with P500 after alternative shelters have been provided for them.
In the meantime, Artes said that motorcycle riders should stop only at designated lay-by areas in case of rain to avoid accidents.