More than 500 motorists have violated the exclusive bus lane along EDSA on the first day of the implementation of increased fines, according to Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando 'Don' Artes on Tuesday, Nov. 14.

"Mahigit 500 [ang violators] yung total hanggang gabi kasi, nag-operate kami saglit," Artes said during an exclusive interview in Damdaming Bayan.

Atty. Romando 'Don' Artes, Chairman, MMDA, sa bilang ng mga violator na gumamit ng bus lane: Mahigit 500 [ang violators] yung total hanggang gabi kasi, nag-operate kami saglit.#DamdamingBayan#SamaSamaTayoPilipino

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— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) November 14, 2023

According to Artes, there were still violators at night and reached a total of 170.

"'Yan ang aming sinasabi na despite the warnings na magtataas na ng multa, yung ating mga kababayan ay mas pinipiling mag-violate," he said.

Artes said three motorists had attempted to escape MMDA's interception, citing its responding third offense fine of P20,000 and a one-year suspension of the driver's license.

Meanwhile, two MMDA employees have illegally used the EDSA busway.

"Unfortunately, meron tayong 2 MMDA employees na gumamit illegally ng busway despite sa ating panawagan na wag gumamit illegally," the MMDA Chief said.

"Bukod sa P5,000 na penalty na ipinataw sa kanya, pina-show cause order na rin ito sa admin para wag pamarisan ng ibang empleyado," he added.

Artes stressed that they would catch all violators without any exemption unless clearly marked as government vehicles.

"Tuloy-tuloy ito araw-araw. Asahan na hindi kami titigil," he assured.

On Monday, the MMDA started their implementation of stiffer fines for those unauthorized vehicles who will be using the Edsa Bus Carousel Lane.

Approved by the Manila Council's (MMC), MMDA Regulation No. 23-002 directed the increased fines for violators of both public and private vehicles, such as:

• First offense: P5,000
• Second offense: P10,000 plus one-month suspension of the driver’s license and being required to undergo a road safety seminar.
• Third offense: P20,000 plus one-year suspension of the driver’s license
• Fourth offense: P30,000 plus recommendation to the Land Transportation Office for revocation of the driver’s license