A commuters’ group has criticized the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority's (MMDA) decision to ban electric bicycles and e-tricycles from major roads in the National Capital Region starting April 15, as there was no public hearing held prior to the decision.
During a radio interview Tuesday, March 12, AltMobility PH Director Ira Cruz cited MMDA Chairman Romando Artes’ statement that public consultations on the issue were “unnecessary.”
“There was a meeting yesterday to discuss the implementing rules and regulations. It was a done deal. They did not give us enough time as there are many things that needed to be discussed before an IRR should be finalized,” Cruz said.
The agency said e-bicycles and e-tricycles would be prohibited in the national roads such as EDSA, Recto Avenue, Quirino Avenue, Araneta Avenue, Katipunan Avenue, C.P. Garcia Avenue and Southeast Metro Manila Expressway or C-6, based on MMDA Regulation 2024-022.
Electric vehicles will also be banned along Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, Osmeña Highway, Shaw Boulevard, Ortigas Avenue, Magsaysay Boulevard, Aurora Boulevard Quezon Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue, A. Bonifacio Avenue, Rizal Avenue and Del Pan/Marcos Highway/MacArthur Highway or collectively known as R-10.
Elliptical Road, Mindanao Avenue and Marcos Highway are also covered by the ban.
“The time given to us was not enough if they really wanted to hear the side of the people. It is really sad that the MMDA favored private vehicles. The MMDA should prioritize the needs of the majority of the people,” Cruz said, adding that most commuters rely on e-trikes to get to work.
According to a study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, 88 percent of people in Metro Manila don't own cars.
Those who will violate the rule will be fined P2,500 and their vehicles will be taken away.
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #EBike #MMDA #