THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has clarified the window hours being implemented for provincial buses amid confusion among commuters and the general public.
MDA Chairman Romando Artes said that based on the existing policy of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), all provincial buses shall terminate their routes at the North Luzon Express Terminal (NLET) in Bocaue, Bulacan or at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) located in Parañaque City.
Artes said the LTFRB heeded the request of MMDA after provincial bus operators appealed to the agency to allow them to ply Edsa during the window hour period from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. within a two-week dry run, which started last week of March.
Artes emphasized that provincial buses are not prohibited from operating beyond the said window hours provided that they do not terminate the trips at their terminals inside Metro Manila.
Provincial bus operators may instead use the integrated terminals in accordance with the existing LTFRB policy.
He likewise confirmed the agency and the provincial bus operators had an agreement after they requested for extension.
This allowed all provincial buses from traversing along the stretch of Edsaand utilized their respective Metro Manila terminals 24/7 during the Holy Week until April 17 (Easter Sunday).
The implementation of the window hours scheme resumed on Wednesday, April 20.
The MMDA chief stressed that the main role of the MMDA is to strictly implement the traffic rules and regulations.
He added that policies with regard to provincial buses is under the jurisdiction of DOTr and LTFRB.
Hundreds of commuters were stranded at Dau Bus Terminal in Mabalacat City as a result of the window hour scheme.