MMDA reimposes pedicab ban on major roads

02/09/2010

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Oscar Inocentes yesterday ordered the re-implementation of a 1990 Metro Manila Council (MMC) ordinance prohibiting pedicabs and tricycles along major roads in Metro Manila.

During an executive meeting with top MMDA officials, Inocentes instructed the agency’s Traffic Operations Center (TOC) to form teams that would specifically apprehend pedicab and tricycle drivers operating outside their franchise routes.

The MMDA chairman, alarmed by the proliferation of these small vehicles along the highways, also authorized the TOC personnel to impound any pedicab and tricycle violating the MMC Ordinance 6 Series of 1990.

“We will have them impounded for 30 days. They know that they are banned from driving along major thoroughfares. If we have to be harsh on them, then so be it, if this is the only way to ensure their safety,” Inocentes said.

He pointed out that the MMC Ordinance 6 was passed by the 17 Metro Manila mayors to protect the lives of not only the pedicab and tricycle drivers but also their passengers.

“The franchise their local government granted them limits their operation within the local tertiary roads and subdivision roads,” Inocentes said.

He said he has personally noticed that many tricycles have been operating in some parts of Edsa, Commonwealth Avenue, and Katipunan Avenue, which not only slows down traffic but also put both the drivers and the passengers in unnecessary danger.

Inocentes tasked the TOC to be strict in implementing the ban on tricycle and pedicab on major roads even if certain LGUs are currently implementing a moratorium.

“We have an MMC ordinance and we have to enforce it. We will not honor the LGUs’ moratorium allowing these pedicabs and tricycles outside their franchise routes,” he said.

Under the MMC Ordinance 6 passed during the term of then MMDA Chairman Jejomar Binay, violators are to be fined up to P300 or a ten-day imprisonment or both. Pat C. Santos

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