The number of vehicles passing through Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City has increased since classes in schools and universities returned, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

The agency made the statement after conducting an inspection on Katipunan Avenue on Thursday morning to observe the traffic situation in the area, especially during the morning rush hour.

"Na-obserbahan namin nitong pasukan na gumagrabe ang traffic congestion, nandito tayo pinag-aaralan natin para kahit papaano despite of talagang malaking volume ng mga sasakyan, pinag-aaralan natin kahit papaano mababawas ang congestion especially during rush hour," MMDA General Manager Procopio Lipana said, adding that adjustment to the traffic management team assigned in the area will be made.

According to Lipana, the number of vehicles in the southbound lane of the road has increased by 32 percent during the morning rush hour and 24 percent during the afternoon rush hour.

He said this means that the number of vehicles has increased to 6,636 in August from the previous 4,498 vehicles passing through Katipunan Avenue during morning rush hour in May.

The number of vehicles plying the said road during the afternoon rush hour has also increased to 5,697, from 4,306 vehicles passing there in May.

The MMDA added that one of the reasons for the traffic in the area is the vehicles entering the two large schools on Katipunan Avenue.

"Alam naman natin ang estudyante dito halos 10,000 halos lahat na 'yan ay may sasakyan," said Lipana.