Traffic in EDSA is gradually getting heavier as the long holiday is approaching. On December 15, based on the record of MMDA, 430,000 vehicles passed through EDSA. 

Higher numbers are expected, especially this coming weekend where many people are heading to provinces for vacation. To prevent travel delays for provincial buses, the MMDA will allow them to pass through EDSA. 

“Sumulat na po sa atin ang buses, bus association at atin na pong pinayagan sila na bumaybay ng EDSA para po mas mabilis yung turnaround time,”  Atty. Artes said

[“Buses, bus association wrote to us and we allow them to pass through EDSA for faster turnaround time,”]

Together with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Land Transportation Office (LTO) and other supporting agencies, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) conducted an inspection and random drug testing among bus drivers and conductors in several bus stations in Cubao, Quezon City.

"Our inspection aims to ensure the safe, orderly, and convenient movement of commuters and prevent untoward incidents at bus terminals during the holiday rush," Atty. Artes said in the issued statement of MMDA.

A bus driver like Emmanuel Cruz agreed with this initiative, noting that if the driver is in a good condition, safe travel experience can be assured. 

“Napaka-importante po kasi nakakasigurado tayo na kondisyon ‘yung mga drayber. Sure tayo na ligtas tayo.” the driver said

[“This is important because we can assure that the drivers are iin good condition. We are sure that we’re safe.”]

LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao stated that once the driver is confirmed positive in a drug test, they are no longer allowed to drive and their driver’s license will be confiscated.

“Sa amin po, sa LTO, once po na nag-positive po ‘yung mga driver natin, hindi po sila pwedeng mag-drive na. Kukumpiskahin po namin yung kanilang driver’s license, so sisiguraduhin po natin na hindi sila maka-biyahe.” Lacanilao said 

[“For us, on LTO, once the driver is confirmed positive, they can no longer be allowed to drive. We’ll confiscate their driver’s license, so we will make sure that they are not allowed to travel.”]