Motorists in Metro Manila should brace for heavier traffic in the coming weeks, with potential "carmaggedon" expected to peak around the first week of December, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Sunday.
In a report on 24 Oras Weekend, MMDA Special Operations Head Gabriel Go said the Christmas rush has yet to fully begin, despite already heavier traffic along EDSA.
The MMDA explained that the usual holiday traffic surge coincides with the release of employees' Christmas bonuses, often during the first or second week of December.
"We have to consider budget season ng mga tao, normally mga 13th month pay, Christmas bonuses. It does not come as early as November, mid of November or end of November," Go said.
(We have to consider people's budget season, normally the 13th-month pay and Christmas bonuses. These do not come as early as November.)
"'Yung iba diyan, pumapasok first week of December, second week of December. So, ang peak of the carmaggedon or the heavy traffic rush for Christmas, definitely mararamdaman natin ito December first week," he added.
(Some arrive in the first or second week of December. The peak of carmaggedon or heavy holiday traffic will definitely be felt in the first week of December.)
MMDA noted that daily vehicle volume along EDSA during the holiday rush can reach 380,000 to 400,000 vehicles, nearly double the usual 200,000 to 250,000.
To manage the anticipated traffic, the MMDA has implemented several measures, including clearing operations along Mabuhay Lanes and extending mall operating hours from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
"Magkakaroon ng segregation ng pagpasok ng mga tao [sa mga mall], especially ang employees ng mall operators natin... Distributed yung magiging volume ng sasakyan at volume ng gustong pumunta sa mall, because they don't have to rush just because magko-close na ang mall ng 9 p.m.," Go said.
(There will be controlled entry to malls, especially for employees. This will help distribute the volume of vehicles and people so they won't have to rush when malls close at 9 p.m.)
He also shared that mall deliveries are now limited to 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., except for food and perishable items. Additionally, malls are allowed to hold mall-wide sales only on weekends and must submit traffic management plans at least two weeks before planned promotions or events.
Meanwhile, all excavation work in Metro Manila and nearby cities has been suspended, and MMDA enforcers are working extended shifts to help mitigate traffic congestion. -- Jiselle Anne Casucian/MCG, GMA Integrated News