The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Friday said it recommended a disciplinary sanction against the taxi driver who passed by, stopped, and aggravated the traffic at the bus lane along EDSA amidst a rain-induced flood onSept. 23.
In a statement, the agency said its acting chairman Don Artes had sent the letter of recommendation to the chiefs of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
According to MMDA, Artes cited in his letter that the taxi driver’s “irresponsible act” not only “aggravated the traffic congestion”, but also “burdened" commuters who were riding the buses.
Last Sept. 23, the agency’s command center captured the half-tire deep flood along EDSA Camp Aguinaldo (NB) which limited the movements of small vehicles.
Noticeably, a taxi was seen in the EDSA bus lane, impeding the buses behind from passing by.
[AS OF 12:20PM] ‘Half tire deep’ na baha, nararanasan sa bahagi ng EDSA Camp Aguinaldo (NB) at ‘di madaanan ng maliliit na sasakyan | @dzrhnews
— Christian Maño (@xtian_mano) September 23, 2023
📸: @MMDA pic.twitter.com/teUS2jOKcW
Imagine the frustration of those buses which could easily negotiate 14-inch-deep floodwaters… but are being blocked by that idiot of a taxi. https://t.co/QwAg5y9LkC
— Dax (@daxlucas) September 23, 2023
Meanwhile, the agency said its chief also recommended disciplinary sanction against an erring driver who almost hit an MMDA traffic enforcer after he was caught traversing the EDSA Bus Carousel last Sept. 21.
“The driver of the subject vehicle is a menace on the road, having no regard for the safety of fellow motorists including persons on the road such as traffic personnel," Artes said as quoted by the MMDA.