MMDA Requires Mall Traffic Plans Ahead of Weekend Sales to Ease Holiday Congestion

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Friday requested mall operators in the metropolis to submit their traffic management plans before implementing mall-wide sales on weekends. This move is part of preparations for increased traffic volume expected during the Christmas season.

MMDA Traffic Enforcement Group Director Victor Nunez emphasized that mall-wide sales during weekdays are prohibited to avoid exacerbating traffic flows. He stated, "Kung mag weekend sale sila na mall-wide sale, dapat mayroon silang traffic management plan at isa-submit nila ito sa amin sa MMDA at least two weeks bago ang mall-wide sale (If they want to do a weekend mall-wide sale, they should have a traffic management plan and they should submit it to the MMDA at least two weeks in advance)".

This requirement will enable the MMDA to devise alternate routes and coordinate with local traffic enforcement units to better manage traffic congestion.

Since last month, malls in Metro Manila have adjusted their operating hours from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., instead of the previous 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Additionally, mall deliveries are restricted to 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In coordination with local government units (LGUs), the MMDA is also promoting a uniform truck ban schedule to further ease holiday traffic jams. This comes after a significant traffic jam on Marcos Highway last weekend that left motorists stranded for five to six hours.

The agency plans to deploy around 2,400 traffic enforcers on major thoroughfares to assist in traffic management during the holiday season. Recent data shows that vehicular volume on roads like EDSA has reached 429,000 vehicles, with an expectation for this number to increase as Christmas approaches.

These efforts highlight the MMDA’s proactive stance to ensure smoother holiday travel across Metro Manila. ❤️