600 violators on first day of ‘no window hours’ dry run

MANILA, Philippines – On the first day of the ‘no window hours’ dry run of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and other members of the Inter-Agency Council on Traffic (i-ACT), a total of 600 private vehicles were recorded to have violated the new scheme. 

According to the MMDA Metro Base report on Wednesday, October 12, the tally of private vehicles flagged down by traffic enforcers along their respective areas from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM on October 12 stood at:

• EDSA – 125
• C5 – 11
• Alabang – 0
• Roxas Boulevard – 187
• Mandaluyong – 277

No window hours

The cessation of window hours – a 5-hour period (10 am-3 pm) when motorists covered by the number coding scheme on a specific day can still pass without being apprehended – will officially be strictly implemented along EDSA, C-5, Roxas Boulevard, Alabang-Zapote Road, and in the cities of Mandaluyong, Makati, and Las Piñas from October 17 to January 31, 2017. (READ: Makati, Las Piñas, Mandaluyong to suspend ‘window hours’)

Authorities used various platforms, such as TV broadcast announcements, online websites or social media accounts, and LED signages along EDSA to announce a scheduled dry run for the implementation.

Some motorists there were still unaware of the ongoing dry run, leading to the 600 violations noted by traffic authorities.

Long-term solution?

Jeffrey Marcos, a driver for 8 years, approved of the new traffic scheme. He noted that driving along EDSA is one of the worst experiences a driver can face. From what should reach about 4 trips in two hours, heavy traffic can leave drivers with only one trip.

“Mapapaiyak ‘yung driver kasi nga ‘yung gas mauubos, tapos wala na siyang kikitain kasi isang trip lang,” he said. (The driver would end up in tears because as it is, he runs out gas and he loses income since he only gets one trip)

He added that the eliminating the window hours can be an effective solution to traffic congestion and should be extended even after the scheduled deadline on January 31 next year. – Rappler.com