THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is considering issuing a fine on riders seeking shelter under flyovers and footbridges during torrential rains. 

Acting MMDA Chair Romando Artes said this is because staying under flyovers during a heavy downpour poses a danger to both riders and motorists. 

Some of the motorcycle riders are taking up a portion of the road, Artes noted. 

“Unang-una, delikado para sa kanila. Imagine mo, nasa highway ka, titigil ka doon, pwede kang masagasaan o mabangga ‘pag hindi ka napansin ng ibang nagmamaneho,” he told reporters in a recent press briefing. 

He also said riders taking cover under flyovers may cause traffic congestion. 

“Nagko-cause po siya ng traffic dahil, imagine mo, kung 30 minutes to an hour ang ulan, hindi sila umaalis hangga’t hindi tumitila. Minsan, isang lane na lang ang nadadaanan na nagko-cause po ng sobrang traffic,” he said. 

The MMDA said the motorcycle riders may be fined P500 for obstruction if they are caught. 

It also said that as an alternative, riders could seek shelter in designated lay-by areas.

The agency likewise plans to team up with gasoline stations along EDSA to put up tents where motorcycle riders could seek shelter. 

Artes said the agency plans to come up with a holistic solution for  the concern of riders before implementing the rule. 

Netizens react 

The announcement drew mixed reactions from netizens, who mostly sympathized with motorists. Many of them argued that riders did not intend to cause traffic build up, let alone accidents, by taking cover under flyovers and footbridges. 

Netizens also said the MMDA should make sure there are facilities for riders who want to seek shelter.