MMDA ready to implement provincial bus ban on EDSA by Aug. 1

THE METROPOLITAN Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said the provincial bus ban along EDSA will push through following the memorandum issued by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), which will take effect on Aug. 1. Under the memo, provincial buses going to Metro Manila will have to end at the designated terminals in Valenzuela City, Parañaque City, and Sta. Rosa, Laguna. “We will still push through with the plan… (When the LTFRB memo comes out) we will request the LGUs (local government units) na may terminal sa (with terminals along) EDSA, we’ll write them a letter to cancel all the business permits,” said MMDA General Manager Jose Arturo S. Garcia Jr. in a chance interview with reporters on Thursday. The ban will only cover EDSA-based terminals that have been shut down by LGUs. About 1,480 provincial buses coming from the north with terminals along EDSA will have to end their trips at the Valenzuela terminal. From the south, about 380 buses with terminals in Cubao, Quezon City will be redirected to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange while 890 buses with terminals in Pasay City will be moved to the Sta. Rosa Interim Terminal in Laguna. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras