MMDA to increase fines for EDSA bus lane violators up to P30,000

Be careful when driving along the EDSA busway, you could end up paying P30,000.

While you shouldn't be driving along the bus lane in the first place, as it is reserved for public utility buses, ambulances, and marked government vehicles on emergency duty, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced the new fines and penalties for bus lane violators in a press conference on Wednesday. 

MMDA acting chairman Don Artes stated that in addition to increasing the penalty from P1,000 to P5,000 for each incident, a driver's license suspension and attendance at a road safety class would also be imposed for persistent violations. 

"To serve as a deterrent, the MMDA, through the Metro Manila Council, decided to increase the prescribed fines and impose corresponding suspension of driver’s license depending on the frequency of offense," he said. 

According to MMDA Regulation No. 23-002, the new fines and penalties are as follows:

• First Offense: P5,000
• Second Offense: P10,000 plus one month suspension of driver’s license, and required to undergo a road safety seminar
• Third Offense: P20,000 plus one year suspension of driver’s license
• Fourth Offense: P30,000 plus recommendation to Land Transportation Office for revocation of driver’s license.

Artes also addressed the anti-poor and money-making scheme allegations, saying that it is because there are those who are willing to pay the fine just to get through the lane.

"Based on our data and observation, there are those who are willing to pay the P1,000 fines and violated the exclusivity of the bus lane because they can afford it," he stated. 

Artes did not mention when the new fines and penalties will be implemented, but he added that it will happen following an informational campaign.