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MMDA set to increase fines for EDSA Bus Lane violators starting November 13, 2023

The MMDA is upping the ante on its mission to crack down on violators of the exclusive EDSA bus lane.

Jerome Tresvalles on Nov 07, 2023

Before the end of October, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced its intention to increase fines for individuals caught violating the exclusive bus carousel lane regulations on EDSA, imposing substantial penalties for repeat offenders.

In a statement made by MMDA acting chairperson Romando “Don” Artes on October 26, 2023, it was highlighted that numerous drivers of private vehicles, motorcycles, and other motor vehicles persistently disregard the lanes designated exclusively for public buses and government vehicles responding to emergencies.

Related: MMDA unveils its new state-of-the-art command center

Yesterday, November 6, 2023, the MMDA announced that the new policy will take effect on the following Monday, which is November 13, 2023.

As per MMDA Regulation No. 23-002, authorized by the MMC, the enhanced fines for breaching the exclusive city Bus Lane/EDSA Carousel Lane regulation will apply to both public and private vehicles. The increased fines for the violation are as follows:

First Offense – P5,000
Second Offense – P10,000 plus 1-month suspension of driver’s license, and required to undergo a road safety seminar
Third Offense – P20,000 plus 1-year suspension of driver’s license
Fourth Offense – P30,000 plus recommendation to Land Transportation Office for revocation of driver’s license

Artes stated that the agency has been receiving reports of certain drivers avoiding apprehension by quickly driving away when signaled to stop. Artes also mentioned that wealthy individuals openly flout the EDSA Bus Lane rules because they can easily cover the existing P1,000 penalty. During the briefing, Artes stated that the MMDA would impose penalties on the owners of the vehicle. Keep this in mind whenever you lend out the keys of your car to a friend.

“We noticed that there are several vehicles repeatedly passing [through the EDSA bus lane], and they are willing to pay P1,000 each time because they can afford to pay.”

Romando “Don” Artes
Acting Chairman, MMDA

Artes emphasized that the stiffer penalties for EDSA bus lane violations is aimed at enhancing the safety of all road users and ensuring uninterrupted travel for authorized city buses that use the dedicated lane. The bus lane is made to make life easier for commuters who have to use public transportation as their means of mobility. Hopefully, the stiffer penalties will deter repeat offenders from using their “diskarte” to avoid traffic.