Starting 13 November, private motorists who will use the EDSA bus lane will face stiffer penalties of up to P30,000, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority announced yesterday.
The increase in the penalty for those who will use the exclusive city bus lane/bus carousel lane along EDSA was approved by the Metro Manila Council in an earlier resolution.
Under MMDA Regulation No. 23-002, the increased fines for the violation of both public and private vehicles are:
First offense — P5,000; Second offense —P10,000 plus one-month suspension of driver's license, and required to undergo a road safety seminar; Third offense —P20,000 plus one-year suspension of driver's license; Fourth offense — P30,000 plus recommendation to Land Transportation Office for revocation of driver's license.
MMDA acting chairman Romando Artes said that based on their data and observation, some are willing to pay the P1,000 fines and violate the exclusivity of the bus lane because they can afford it.
He said the violators according to their records were usually vehicles of wealthy people.
Artes said before the full implementation of the adjustment on penalties, the MMDA will first conduct information campaigns so that the public is aware of the increased fines.