MMDA man cites HOV to justify colorum

Enterprising drivers and van owners are trying to cash in on Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) scheme, banning driver-only vehicles on EDSA during the rush hours.

The MMDA reported that members of the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (IACT) flagged down a private van for unauthorized carrying of four passengers only to find it was owned by a certain Mario Mendoza who claimed to be a general foreman at the MMDA.

Mendoza’s passengers admitted paying him P60 from Malolos, Bulacan up to the Metro Rail Transit station in Quezon Avenue.

According to Mendoza he took in passengers because of the HOV.

“I’m going to work. But since driver-only vehicles are not allowed on EDSA I took in some passengers so I won’t be alone,” he said.

The IACT team also confiscated from Mendoza an IACT vest and a hand-held radio, despite his claims that he has the appropriate license from the National Telecommunications Commission to use the device.

Mendoza said that relative of an IACT member gave him the vest.

Department of Transportation Undersecretary and IACT overall head Tim Orbos was dismayed that some motorists are using HOV as an excuse to justify picking up of passengers even if this is illegal.

In common language, vehicles illegally transporting passengers are known as “colorums.”

“The government is constantly looking for solutions to end traffic woes but it seems that some are using it for their own advantage,” he said.

Orbos appealed to EDSA motorists to respect the HOV and refrain from any illegal activity, such as the unauthorized ferrying of passengers. He said the HOV is no excuse to do that.

He said MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia gave him assurance they will investigate Mendoza and other MMDA employees involved in illegal acts.

Following a strong backlash from lawmakers and commuters the MMDA announced that they are putting the full implementation of the new policy on hold until the MMDA council convenes to decide its fate.

However, the MMDA said the dry run will continue until the council decides what to do with the scheme.