MMDA to cancel permits of Edsa bus terminals soon

MANILA, Philippines — The business permits of bus terminals located along Edsa will be canceled soon, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Tuesday.

In a meeting, the Metro Manila Council (MMC) approved the resolution which will prohibit the issuance of business permits to all public utility bus terminals and operators along Edsa.

MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim said the cancellation of business permits is in line with the Duterte administration’s plan to close down bus terminals along the major thoroughfares.

“Our direction is to remove all bus terminals along Edsa and relocate them in the outskirts of the metro to minimize traffic congestion,” Lim said.

Lim was referring to the relocation of provincial buses to several terminals in Metro Manila such as those in Valenzuela City and another in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia said they already planned the closure of bus terminals and the cancellation of business permits with the Department of Transportation and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

“Yesterday we had a meeting with LTFRB chairman and DOTr and then it was about time na isasara na natin yung mga provincial bus [terminals] na yan. Ang LTFRB kasi magiikot na rin, kung baga ica-cancel na ang mga business permits,” Garcia told reporters after the MMC meeting at the MMDA Building in Makati City.

The MMDA expected the closure of the bus terminals by June which will ease the traffic congestions in the major roads in Metro Manila. /ee – By: Consuelo Marquez