MMDA eyes closure of bus terminals along EDSA by June

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 26) — The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) targets to shut down all bus terminals along EDSA by June to ease traffic congestion along the main thoroughfare.

In a statement on Tuesday, the MMDA said its governing body, the Metro Manila Council (MMC), has approved a resolution banning the issuance of business permits to all public utility bus terminals and operators, and other public utility vehicles along EDSA.

"Our direction is to remove all bus terminals along EDSA and relocate them in the outskirts of the metro to minimize traffic congestion," MMDA chairperson Danilo Lim said.

MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia said they will conduct a dry run after Holy Week in April to prepare operators and commuters.

The resolution points at the entry and exit of buses and other PUVs in terminals along EDSA as a great contributor to traffic congestion.

However, the MMDA admitted that all Metro Manila mayors, who compose of the MMC, have yet to sign the resolution. It would also have to be published before it is implemented.

The government has long been pushing for the relocation of bus terminals away from the cities, and began the construction of several terminals near the northern and southern tips of Metro Manila.