MMDA pursues anti-colorum drive on Holy Week

Even during the Holy Week, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will continue apprehending colorum vehicles along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue and other major thoroughfares.

In a statement, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said they will not tolerate colorum operations during Holy Week as there are enough legitimate public utility vehicles to ferry commuters.

"There will be no letup. In fact, we will intensify our anti-colorum operations during the Holy Week break. Colorum vehicles have no right to compete with duly franchised PUVs," the MMDA chief warned.

Tolentino noted that colorum operators usually take advantage of the Holy Week vacation because of the high number of commuters trekking to the provinces.

According to Tolentino, a sufficient number of traffic constables will be stationed along major thoroughfares not only to ensure the smooth flow of traffic but also to look out for colorum AUVs, buses, and even taxicabs.

Colorum operation carries a fine of P6,000, six months' impoundment and suspension of driver's license.

"We will have sufficient number of traffic personnel in the streets," Tolentino assured the public.

The MMDA chief advised motorists to take advantage of the week-long suspension of the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program , from April 2 to 9 to use their own vehicles.

The MMDA, he added, will continue working with the Land Transportation Franchising & Regulatory Board, the Land Transportation Office, Philippine National Police, and other related agencies to apprehend colorum PUVs and assist motorists and commuters throughout the Holy Week. The Agency will honor the special LTFRB permits granted to public utility buses during the Holy Week season to accommodate the high number of commuters. - PIA — ARA