MMDA urged mall operators to avoid mall sales

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reiterated its appeal to mall operators to avoid mall-wide sales to prevent worsening traffic congestion in the metropolis during the Christmas season.

MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said the agency has been making this request annually for the past five years, citing studies showing that mall-wide sales significantly slow traffic flow.

Artes clarified that store-level promotions are still allowed, but large-scale mall sales are discouraged due to their impact on road traffic.

“What we are saying, and the malls agree, is that mall-wide sales really cause heavy traffic congestion, which doesn’t help the malls either because shoppers cannot easily reach the stores. This has been agreed upon and practiced for the last five years,” Artes said.

He added that the request also applies to malls outside the MMDA’s jurisdiction, such as those along Marcos Highway.

The agency has coordinated with the local government units (LGUs) of Antipolo and Cainta to adjust U-turn slots and improve lane transitions to ensure smoother traffic flow in areas affected by spillover congestion. A memorandum of agreement with the LGUs is expected soon.

Meanwhile, the MMDA reported that vehicle volume on EDSA reached record levels this week as the holiday season and year-end bonuses drive more Filipinos to shop. Traffic counts recorded 434,000 vehicles in December, up from less than 400,000 in November.

“In November, the number was lower, with less than 400,000 vehicles passing through EDSA. Two Mondays ago, on December 8, the count reached 434,000, which is somewhat record-breaking for us. This year, this is the highest number we have recorded,” Artes said.

The MMDA expects vehicle volume to grow another five to 10 percent in the coming week, coinciding with the payday weekend. Artes noted that the increase will affect not just EDSA but major roads throughout Metro Manila.

The agency also highlighted that the EDSA Bus Carousel has helped ease congestion for commuters, as buses carry more than 50 passengers each.