After hordes of entizens and other groups opposed the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) scheme, along with the Senate filing a resolution to repeal the said policy, the agency has decided to suspend its implementation which was scheduled for next week.
Set to be put in place on August 23, the driver-only policy has been put on hold. The MMDA says that while it did yield to the call of the majority as well as that of the Philippine Senate, it will still look for a solution to our traffic woes.
The HOV scheme, if you will recal, was approved by the Metro Manila Council which governs the said agency. It aims to cut down the number of vehicles plying EDSA—which according to the body is made up of mostly driver-only vehicles. The agency even gave us a figure of 70 percent.
Unfortunately, many complained that while EDSA traffic was decreased, this was merely diverted to other roads within the Metro.
As of press time, the MMDA continues to encourage motorists to avoid using EDSA if they will be alone in their vehicle. This is to encourage carpooling, the agency says. And while it will not fine them for any violations, it will reprimand them and let them off with a stern warning.
