MMDA adjusts mall operations ahead of holiday rush

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is implementing a series of traffic mitigation measures intended to ease expected congestion during the Christmas season, the agency announced Friday following a consultative meeting with stakeholders.

MMDA chairperson Don Artes said the measures, which will take effect 17 November and run until 25 December, received unanimous support from representatives of shopping malls, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and utility companies.

Artes cited that the holiday season typically brings a 10 to 25 percent increase in vehicular volume on Metro Manila roads.

“By implementing these effective measures, we aim to provide a more manageable traffic flow for the holidays,” Artes said.

To manage traffic around commercial areas, shopping mall operators have agreed to several key restrictions:

Malls must adjust their operating hours on weekdays to run from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Deliveries must be conducted only during nighttime, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next day on weekdays, with the exception of perishable goods like food and ice.