EDSA Lane Discipline

Back on EDSA where the MMDA are trying to enforce lane discipline for the buses, cars and motorcycles.

Yesterday there was a LOT of traffic caused by buses leaving the yellow lanes and trying to cut back in later. While trying to cut back in, they'd sit there blocking the other lanes which caused huge choke points.

These drivers have professional licenses and drive the same route every day. They know exactly where they're meant to be and the bus stops they're meant to use for loading and unloading.

Most of the time, the traffic in the bus lanes is caused by... drum roll.... buses! Specifically, they're loading, unloading and waiting where they're not meant to. Often purposely blocking both lanes to prevent any other bus getting ahead of them and "stealing their passengers".

Giving the buses dedicated and prioritzed lanes makes good sense. They move a LOT of people compared to private cars. But they must be responsible on the road. Likewise commuters must also do their part by using the bus stops instead of flagging them down wherever they want.

You've also got to wonder why so many operators are still using coach-style buses for City routes. A double decker would be about the same height and provide a much higher passenger capacity. Maybe it shouldn't just be the jeepneys that are modernized.