The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has had enough of the daily Bus Lane violators in EDSA, some of which, the agency says, blatantly disregard the policy because “they can afford the PHP 1,000 penalty” imposed and has decided to increase the penalty for up to PHP 30,000 including revocation of driver’s license.

In a press conference, MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes said that there are many errant drivers of private vehicles, motorcycle riders, and other motor vehicles who continually use the exclusive bus lane despite constant warnings and reminders. The bus carousel lane is for the exclusive use of Public Utility Buses, ambulances, and marked government vehicles responding to emergencies.

“To serve as a deterrent, the MMDA, through the Metro Manila Council (MMC), decided to increase the prescribed fines and impose corresponding suspension of driver’s license depending on the frequency of offense,” he said. Currently, the prescribed fine for the violation of the exclusive bus lane regulation is PHP 1,000 for each offense.

Under the MMDA Regulation No. 23-002, the increased fines for the violation of exclusive city bus lane/EDSA carousel lane regulation for both public and private vehicles are:

First Offense – P5,000

Second Offense – P10,000 plus 1 month suspension of driver’s license, and required to undergo a road safety seminar

Third Offense – P20,000 plus 1-year suspension of driver’s license

Fourth Offense – P30,000 plus recommendation to Land Transportation Office for revocation of driver’s license

Artes also emphasized that the increase in penalty is not anti-poor nor a money-making scheme. “Based on our data and observation, there are those who are willing to pay the PHP 1,000 fines and violate the exclusivity of the bus lane because they can afford it… commonly the cars of the rich,” he said.

However, the official is quick to clarify that the MMDA will first conduct information campaigns to have public awareness of the increased fines prior to its full implementation, which will be announced soon.