Advisory: Lagusnilad underpass in Manila City has reopened
“Just in time for the holiday traffic surge, the Lagusnilad underpass in the City of Manila reopened to the public on November 28, 2023.
“The newly renovated underpass, which was closed to the public in May and originally set to reopen after four months, now features better lighting, including concrete studs on its surface. The flood-prone structure has also undergone improvements to its drainage system and overall road structure.
Watch: Lagusnilad underpass reopens in Manila City
“The Lagusnilad underpass was built in the 1960s and leads out to Taft Avenue. In August 2020, the renovated Lagusnilad pedestrian underpass was opened to the public.”
MMDA retains number coding window hours for Christmas holidays
“The planned removal of number coding window hours will not be enforced within the year, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), which has announced its traffic-management plans for the upcoming holiday season.
“The agency will enforce number coding from 7am to 10am and from 5pm to 8pm in areas under its jurisdiction. From 10:01am to 4:59pm, cars that are banned for the day under the number coding rules may be used. Remember that select cities—notably Makati City—enforce their own number coding schemes. Earlier this month, the change in number coding rules for former Makati City barangays that are now under Taguig City took effect.
“The MMDA says it is delaying the removal of window hours for the convenience of motorists during the holidays. ‘Ito rin po ay bilang pagtingin sa ating mga kababayan na iisa ang sasakyan na magamit yung kanilang sasakyan kahit covered ng number coding scheme sa particular na araw,’ said acting chairman Atty. Romando Artes.”
“Apart from this and the imposition of higher fines for EDSA Busway violators, the MMDA is also enforcing a temporary suspension of excavating works on Metro Manila main roads until January 8, and has activated a 76-man ‘strike force’ against illegal parking.
“‘Sila po ay gagamit ng body-worn cameras para may ebidensya po na illegally parked yung mga sasakyan at gagamit naman po ng handheld ticketing device para mabilis ang pag-issue ng ticket,’ said Artes.”
“Finally, malls hours in Metro Manila have been adjusted to manage traffic congestion in the vicinity of major shopping establishments during peak hours. Malls open at 11am and may close as late as 11pm, while mall deliveries may only be scheduled from 11pm to 5am. The duty hours of MMDA traffic enforcers have also been extended until midnight.”
Skyway Stage 4 project to have Arca South on- and off-ramps
“San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and Ayala Land (ALI) have inked an agreement to connect Arca South to the Skyway system via the upcoming Skyway Stage 4 project.
“Also called the South East Metro Manila Expressway (SEMME), this new 32.66km road network will connect the current skyway system all the way to Batasan Complex in Quezon City. It will include on- and off-ramps in Arca South, with other interchanges to be located at Ortigas Avenue Extension, Marcos Highway, and the Tumana Bridge.
“Construction of the Skyway Stage 4 project will commence in 2024. It is expected to significantly benefit commuters and improve the state of transportation in the region.”
LTO wants mandatory registration of e-bikes
“The Land Transportation Office (LTO) plans to propose the mandatory registration of electric bicycles to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), agency chief Atty. Vigor Mendoza II disclosed in a public forum on November 29.
“Currently, LTO Administrative Order No. 2021-039 (or the Consolidated Guidelines in the Classification, Registration, and Operation of All Type of Electric Motor Vehicles), allows for e-bicyles and e-mopeds with two wheels to be operated without registration or a driver’s license, provided their top speed does not exceed 50kph. Such electric two-wheelers that can run only up to 25kph (L1a category) require the rider’s use of a helmet that is “similar to those designed for bicycles,” while those able to go up to 50kph (L1b category) require a “motor protective helmet.”
“As reported by Philstar.com, however, the LTO wants to remove the registration exemption, citing road safety concerns especially in the event that an e-bike is involved in an accident. ‘There should be no speed limitation,’ Mendoza said. ‘For as long as these vehicles are used [on] public roads, they should be registered.
“‘We understand the side of the manufacturers and importers and the public, but the law is the law,’ he continued, adding that unregistered e-bikes may be used only within subdivisions or on private roads if the LTO’s proposal is approved.
“Under Administrative Order No. 2021-039, other electric-powered vehicles that don’t require registration or a license to operate are personal mobility scooters, electric mobility scooters, and electric three-wheelers with a top speed of 25kph (L2a category).”
Flying out? The NAIA–Robinsons Galleria airport P2P service is back
“If you’re flying out from Metro Manila this month and are looking for transport options to and from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), here’s one you could consider: The UBE Express airport P2P service between NAIA and Robinsons Galleria has resumed operations.
“The regular fare for a one-way ride costs P150. Payments are accepted via cash or Beep card. The service departs from and arrives at the EDSA Terminal of Robinsons Galleria, which is marked on the location map below:
“Check out the schedule below:
NAIA Terminal 3 to Robinsons Galleria
- 5:45am
- 8:20am
- 11am
- 2pm
- 4:30pm
- 7:30pm
Robinsons Galleria to NAIA Terminals 1, 2, 3, 4
- 7am
- 9:45am
- 12:30pm
- 3:15pm
- 5:45pm
- 8:45pm
“Note that schedules may change, so it’s best to check the social media channels of UBE Express before your trip for updates. Do account, too, for the holiday traffic, which may delay arrival times at the airport—try to catch an earlier P2P trip to be on the safe side, and make sure you know which terminal your flight is departing from.
“You can read our detailed NAIA transport guide by clicking these blue words. Or, if you’re flying out from Clark International Airport instead, check out our transport guide here.”
