Govt considers EDSA congestion fee, stresses better mass transit

The government is considering implementing a congestion fee on EDSA similar to Singapore's system, where drivers would pay a toll for entering the city during certain hours.

MMDA Chair Romando Artes stated that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, and other officials discussed this proposal as part of the Comprehensive Traffic Management Plan.

Artes noted that the president emphasized the need for efficient mass transport alternatives before any congestion fee can be implemented on EDSA, indicating no immediate implementation plans.

The MMDA chair admitted that it would not be timely to introduce such fees without providing viable transportation options for motorists and stressed that the rehabilitation of EDSA is expected to begin by March 2025 ahead of the ASEAN Summit in 2026.

During the summit, the EDSA bus lane will be repurposed as a special lane to manage traffic more effectively.

Senator Grace Poe urged concerned agencies to fix traffic issues first before imposing fees and emphasized that mass transportation should offer a seamless and comfortable ride for commuters.