Purpose and Scope of the EDSA Organized Bus Route Project
- Designed as a solution to improve bus flow along EDSA by controlling bus dispatch times (headways) at terminals.
- Enforces strict rules about Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) lanes and loading/unloading zones to increase travel speeds and reduce congestion.
- The project includes a system of bus dispatch numbers for management and monitoring.
Implementation and Authority
- The Metro Manila Council approved the EDSA Organized Bus Route Project and its implementing guidelines.
- The MMDA Chairman is authorized to revise or modify guidelines as necessary, subject to Council review.
- The resolution and guidelines took effect immediately upon approval.
Dispatching Procedures and Bus Operation Guidelines
- Buses receive color-coded dispatch numbers at terminals or control stations, corresponding to their origin.
- Buses are dispatched on a First In-First Out basis, with predetermined varied headways set by timers according to demand and time of day.
- Dispatch details (number, plate, company, destination, departure) are recorded for each bus.
- The dispatch number must be displayed on the right side of the windshield.
- Overtaking is prohibited between buses with different dispatch numbers (buses with higher numbers cannot overtake those with lower numbers).
- At control points, new dispatch numbers are issued to maintain orderly sequencing.
- Spotters monitor passenger accumulation to adjust dispatching.
Lane Use and Passenger Loading/Unloading Rules
- The first lane (kerb lane) of the Yellow (PUV) lanes is exclusive for city buses.
- Other PUVs use the second PUV lane; taxis with passengers must use private vehicle lanes.
- City buses may temporarily move to the second lane to accommodate right-turning vehicles at intersections.
- The kerb lane can be used as a holding area for stalled vehicles or emergencies.
- Buses must use at-grade service roads at flyovers and underpasses except in designated areas.
- Loading/unloading at major stops is limited to a max of 30 seconds; minor stops allow up to 15 seconds, subject to demand.
- Loading/unloading is restricted to designated areas marked by start and end markers; buses must follow a strict "Closed Door Policy" outside these zones.
- Buses must sequentially occupy space at stops, with traffic enforcement officers ensuring compliance.
- No loading/unloading is allowed at signalized intersections during green signals.
- Loading/unloading is only permitted in the kerb or first lane.
Restrictions on Other Vehicles and Private Vehicles
- Private vehicles and taxis may load/unload only on the kerb or first lane, not within 50 meters of intersections, and not exceed 30 seconds.
- Private vehicles may enter PUV lanes only to make right turns or enter from side roads, with specific lane markings.
- Provincial buses are prohibited from loading/unloading along EDSA except at designated MMDA-marked areas.
Terminal, Entry, Control, and Exit Points for Northbound and Southbound Buses
- Specific terminals and control points for northbound buses include Baclaran, NAIA, Alabang, and others.
- Control points like Mantrade and Estrella exist for coordinating buses from multiple routes.
- Color-coded queue numbers correspond to origins and control points.
- Defined exit points for northbound buses includes Aurora Blvd, Commonwealth, and others.
- Southbound buses have designated terminals such as Letre, Malanday, and Novaliches.
- Entry and control points are outlined for southbound routes with color-coded queue numbers.
- Exit points are specified for southbound buses including Buendia/Roxas Blvd and Mantrade.
Bus Operator and Driver Responsibilities and Requirements
- Operators must not allow drivers with suspended licenses to operate buses; violations may result in vehicle impoundment.
- Drivers must secure clearance from MMDA before employment.
- Accumulating three violations of the Organized Bus Route (OBR) rules within one month results in one-month suspension of the driver’s license.
- Suspended licenses are held by MMDA and only returned after fines and charges are paid.
- All EDSA bus drivers must attend a one-day seminar at MMDA Traffic Operations Center; likewise, bus operators and traffic enforcers must attend separate seminars to understand project details.
Fines and Penalties for Violations
- Private vehicles inside PUV lanes near intersections or loading/unloading within prohibited zones are fined P500.
- Loss of queue number results in one-month suspension of driver and vehicle plus P300 for replacement.
- Overtaking or breaking queue rules incurs fines starting at P1,000, with repeated offenses resulting in one-month license suspension.
- Improper loading/unloading on lanes other than the kerb lane results in escalating fines from P1,000 to P5,000 and possible vehicle impoundment.
- Stopping for more than 30 seconds outside proper zones results in P500 fine.
- Ignoring headway timers results in escalating fines and suspensions for repeated offenses.
- Skipping terminals or operating without a dispatch number results in fines and suspensions.
- Provincial bus unsanctioned loading/unloading along EDSA is fined P1,000.
- Accumulation of three OBR violations in one month triggers automatic license suspension for one month.
Effectivity
- The implementing memorandum circular takes effect fifteen days after publication in two newspapers of general circulation in Metro Manila.