EDSA Traffic Eases as Fuel Prices Rise

Traffic along EDSA has slightly eased as rising fuel prices begin to affect driving habits, with authorities recording an estimated drop of up to eight percent in vehicle volume.

According to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the decline translates to around 20,000 to 30,000 fewer vehicles on the major thoroughfare. MMDA general manager Nicolas Torre III said the agency is still studying the trend as global oil prices continue to climb.

“We saw a reduction of five to eight percent since we started the behavioral count last Monday of the vehicles passing through EDSA,” Torre said.

He added that further analysis is underway to determine whether the decrease is directly linked to fuel costs or other factors. “We will review the data first why this happened,” he said.

Amid the situation, the MMDA has also introduced temporary policy adjustments to ensure the smooth flow of essential goods and fuel supply. Oil tankers and delivery vehicles carrying basic commodities will now be exempted from both the truck ban and number coding scheme.

“We understand the needs of our people and our situation right now is beyond normal. So, we are alleviating it through these directives,” Torre said.

MMDA chairman Don Artes explained that the move was made in coordination with the Department of Energy and the Department of Trade and Industry to prevent disruptions in the delivery of fuel and essential goods.

“This would ensure the unimpeded movement of energy sources and ease the mobility of goods amid the rising price of fuel products,” Artes said.

The exemption takes effect immediately, with authorities working closely with relevant agencies to identify which goods and vehicles will qualify under the new policy.