514 bus lane violators ticketed with PHP 5K to PHP 20K

Hundreds of bus lane violators slapped with higher penalties

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) successfully implemented the first day of the revised EDSA bus lane policy with higher fines yesterday, November 13, 2023. The tally: 514 bus lane violators.

MMDA Acting Chairman, Atty. Don Artes, reiterated that those who try to avoid apprehension by trying to run away or evade authorities will be automatically slapped with a higher penalty equal to 3^rd offense, which is PHP 20,000 plus charge of reckless driving and a recommendation to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) of 1-year driver’s license suspension.

“For violators who run away from traffic enforcers to avoid apprehension, if you think that you were able to get away with it, your plate numbers will be recorded and reported to the LTO. You will automatically receive a penalty for third offense: PHP 20,000 plus a one-year suspension of your driver’s license,” Artes warned drivers and riders.

Yesterday, MMDA NTFSOU Commander, Col. Bong Nebrija shared on his social media the first 3 motorcycle riders who tried to evade enforcers when they were caught riding along the bus lane. These motorcyclists were eventually apprehended by MMDA's chase motorcycles and were ticketed for bus lane violation equal to 3rd offense, which is PHP 20,000 plus a recommendation to LTO for 1-year driver's license suspension. 

On top of that, the riders were also slapped with reckless driving for endangering other motorists, as well as MMDA enforcers by trying to run away.

LTO Chief, Atty. Vigor Mendoza II said that the agency is in full support of the MMDA, and has added that this operation is a whole-government approach to [put] discipline on the road.

“In support of the MMDA, we shall penalize the escaping violators by placing their vehicles on alarm,” said Mendoza.

During operations on Monday, November 13, 2023, authorities apprehended a total of 514 four-wheel vehicles and motorcycles at different locations along EDSA. Joint operations will continue with IACT, HPG, LTO, and other enforcement agencies.

The higher penalty for violators of the EDSA bus lane is under MMDA Resolution No. 23-002, which states that the fines will apply to both public and private vehicles that are not authorized to use the exclusive bus lane.

Exempted from the exclusive bus lane policy are EDSA Carousel passenger buses, emergency vehicles, and government-marked vehicles responding to emergencies.