The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has requested malls in the National Capital Region (NCR) to adjust their opening hours during the Christmas season, a move aimed at alleviating the expected traffic surge. Starting November 18 until December 25, malls in NCR are being asked to open at 11 a.m., as announced by MMDA chairperson Romando Artes during a press conference on Wednesday.
Artes explained that while mall owners are given the freedom to decide their closing times, the MMDA encourages extended hours to provide convenience for mall-goers, especially during peak traffic times. “Depende na po sa mall owners. Pero we encourage them to extend sana para yung mga gustong magpalipas pong traffic ay may magpa-stay-an pa and then makagawa sila like grocery, last-minute shopping,” said Artes.
This initiative follows a meeting between the MMDA and representatives of Metro Manila malls, where mall management responded favorably to the proposed schedule changes. MMDA data shows that there are 131 malls in the NCR, 29 of which are located along the heavily trafficked EDSA.
EDSA, which accommodates around 421,000 vehicles daily, has been experiencing worsening traffic. Artes noted that the average travel speed along EDSA has slowed down to 19.95 kilometers per hour for northbound vehicles and 18.13 kilometers per hour for southbound vehicles. “So bumagal rin kasi dati nasa 20 to 21 [kilometers per hour] yan e,” Artes added, emphasizing the worsening congestion.
To further reduce traffic congestion, the MMDA has also asked mall owners to schedule their major mall-wide sales before November 18 to avoid exacerbating the traffic situation during the holiday rush.
To assist commuters during the busy holiday season, the MMDA is coordinating with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to expand the operational hours of bus carousels and train systems, ensuring more passengers are accommodated.
The collaboration between the MMDA, mall management, and the DOTr highlights the importance of collective efforts in managing traffic flow and easing commuter difficulties during the holiday season. By adjusting mall hours and increasing transportation options, authorities hope to mitigate the traffic chaos commonly associated with the Christmas period in Metro Manila.