MMDA’s plans for better traffic management during 2023 Undas, Christmas Holidays

Even the MMDA recognizes how the Christmas season begins even before Undas. So much so that the government agency has already announced its plans on how to better manage traffic over the holidays. From the deployment of more enforcers and constables to the adjustment of shopping mall hours, here are some things we all need to know.

Traffic management measures of MMDA for All Saints’ Day, All Souls’ Day, and Christmas holidays

Photo: Metro Manila Development Authority

At the turn of the month into November, traffic is only expected to get worse leading into the December holidays. As early as now, the MMDA is letting the public know how it intends to stay on top of things, and their plans include the following:

• Temporary suspension of excavation activities in Metro Manila effective midnight of November 13 up to midnight of Friday, January 8, 2024, which include road reblocking works, pipe-laying, road upgrading, and other excavation works that will cause obstruction or will affect the smooth flow of traffic. Exempted from the moratorium are flagship projects of the government, DPWH bridge repair and construction, and flood interceptor catchment projects, among others
• Require shopping mall operators to submit respective traffic management plans to the MMDA for their respective mall sales and other promotional events two weeks before the scheduled dates of such events
• Mall-wide sales shall only be allowed on weekends and deliveries of shopping mall operators shall only be allowed during nighttime, from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM the following day. They will also be asked to adjust their operating hours from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM starting November 13
• To ensure maximum visibility of traffic enforcers during the holiday season, nighttime duty of traffic enforcers is extended until 12:00 AM, effective November 13 to January 8, 2024
• 1,448 traffic enforcers and other personnel from the Traffic Discipline Office, Road Emergency Group, Metro Parkways Clearing Group, and Task Force Special Operations will be deployed in key areas in the metropolis for “Oplan Undas 2023” starting October 27

“We are working together with transportation officials to ensure that public transportation systems like the MRT, LRT, and EDSA Bus Carousel are prepared to accommodate the commuting public, so motorists can leave their vehicles someplace and take public transportation. We also encourage the public to use the Pasig River Ferry Service and avail free rides that are convenient and traffic-free,” said MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes.

“The MMDA is prepared to take action to manage traffic, conduct cleanup operations, provide public assistance in case of road emergencies, and clear roads of obstructions ahead of Undas,” Artes added.

We’re about a week away from the anticipated exodus and the following deluge of vehicles and traffic jams in and around Metro Manila. Along with the MMDA‘s plans, let’s all make sure to keep our cool and plan our travels accordingly. Drive safely out there, and as far as holidays go, do try to enjoy yourselves. Even if you do find yourself caught in unavoidable gridlock.