The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said it will impose stiffer penalties on motorists caught violating the "Exclusive City Bus Lane/Bus Carousel Lane" regulation along EDSA.

In a news forum on Saturday, MMDA Director for Traffic Enforcement Group Victor Nuñez lamented that motorists being apprehended for violating bus lane rules "don't seem bothered" by the P1,000 fine. Hence, the MMDA said it will be increasing the penalty to deter violators. 

"What is P1,000 kaysa ma-late sila? So, we really need to raise the fine para maramdaman nila," he said.

The MMDA already recorded 2,100 apprehensions for exclusive bus lane violations, primarily involving private vehicles, from July to September this year. 

"The idea kung bakit ho exclusive ang bus carousel is for the mass transport eh maging priority, para mapabilis and to encourage 'yung mga motorists natin na instead magdala ng sasakyan, try to use the bus carousel na mas mabilis at may exclusive lane," he said. 

Nuñez said increasing the fine will serve as a "stronger deterrent, making it less appealing for private vehicle owners to use the dedicated bus lanes without consequences."

Elevated bike lanes

The MMDA also said it is studying the possibility of building elevated bicycle lanes along EDSA to promote active transport and ensure the safety of cyclists.

Nuñez said the agency is now conducting a study on the feasibility of elevated bike lanes along Metro Manila's main thoroughfare. The plan, he added, needs further review particularly on the infrastructure requirements.