Amid the backlash against the high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) scheme in EDSA, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is seeking President Rodrigo Duterte’s support for the controversial traffic policy.

Pending the meeting of its council, MMDA suspended the scheduled full implementation of the HOV on 23 August but insisted that the dry run of the ban on driver-only vehicles launched last week will continue.

MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia said the agency is arranging an audience with Duterte through Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go.

“If we can convince the President (of the wisdom of the scheme) we can convince everyone. The President is smart enough to know if this will work or not. If he gives his approval, it means we were able to explain it well. Will explain it to others too,” he said.

The Senate approved a resolution calling for the suspension of the scheme, saying it was implemented without proper public consultation and observance of due process.

MMDA estimates that as many as 185, 000 of the 350,000 vehicles passing through EDSA daily only have the driver inside.

Under the HOV traffic scheme, driver-only cars are not allowed to pass through EDSA during rush hours, or from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays.

However, Garcia admitted the HOV is only a short-term solution pending the construction of crucial infrastructure projects around Metro Manila.

He reiterated that the HOW is meant to encourage carpooling among motorists.

Garcia said that if HOV proves effective in cutting the number of private vehicles along EDA the MMDA may lift the number coding scheme on public utility vehicles to augment the number of public transport servicing commuters. EWB