Travel time in EDSA improved during no-window-hour scheme trial

According to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), travel time along EDSA has dramatically improved during the dry run of the no-window-hour policy under the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP).

The MMDA conducted the study of the travel time on EDSA before and during the dry run that was held last October 12 to 14. 

Based from their study, it took 1 hour, 27 minutes, and 27 seconds to traverse Roxas Blvd. to Monumento (then back) on October 5, with an average speed of 15.84 km/h. It then increased by a hair on October 6 in the same route; averaging 15.91 km/h with a travel time of 1 hour, 27 minutes, and 1 second. 

These figures just got worse on October 7 – 1 hour, 34 minutes, and 38 seconds at a travel speed of 14.63 km/h.

However, according to MMDA General Manager Tim Orbos, the travel time significantly decreased during the first day of the dry run last October 12. They were able to finish the same route in 1 hour, 16 minutes, and 32 seconds, which is almost 11 minutes earlier than the previously recorded time.

Consequently, average speed improved as well – 18.09 km/h or an increase of 2.25 km/h. The numbers further improved the following day with 21 minutes and 17 seconds less travel time and 5.16 km/h higher travel speed. Lastly, data gathered from October 14 also improved with a decrease of 13 minutes, and 15 seconds in travel time and an increase of 2.39 km/h in travel speed.

Of note, the specific time of the day where the study was conducted was not mentioned in the article released by MMDA.

Considering the study done was during the trial run of the No Window Hours, we expect that the numbers will improve more in the following days when the policy will be fully implemented and enforced on October 17,” Orbos said.

Traffic personnel, on the other hand, flagged down roughly 1,500 motorists after violating the No Window Hour policy during the trial run period.

Despite the good results achieved by the dry runs, Orbos still encourages motorists to cooperate in their measures in the following months. This is to help further improve the horrendous traffic situation around Metro Manila.