MMDA to cancel tickets and return impounded e-bikes

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said that they are looking to cancel the tickets of the violators of the ban on e-bikes and e-trikes, as well as return the impounded vehicles during their recent operations.

The decision came after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had ordered the agency to grant a grace period in the ban that was implemented on select electric vehicles on national roads.

The order from the president came a few days after the said ban had been implemented in 20 national roads in Metro Manila by the MMDA.

“Pinag-aaralan po natin na gawing retroactive yung kaniyang ditektiba o utos,” MMDA chairman Romando Artes said..

“Pero kailangan lamang po naming aralin yung mechanics dahil naka-issue na kami ng ticket dito at may proseso po yung pagre-release ng mga impounded vehicle,” he added.

The MMDA data showed that as of Thursday, there had been 201 motorists apprehended, with 69 vehicles impounded due to the violation of the ban.

The Chief Executive had ordered the MMDA and Metro Manila local government units to first provide leeway for e-bikes, e-trikes, and other affected vehicles that continue to ply national roads of Metro Manila.

There had been no timeline given.

“Ang sakop ng grace period ay hindi pag-ticket, pag-multa, at pag-impound ng mga e-trike,” Marcos said.

Earlier several commuter and transport groups had said that the ban was anti-poor.

“These affordable EVs are basically cars for the masses. It’s their personal vehicle to purchase groceries, for hospital visits, as their mobility device, to bring kids to school, etc.,” said  Manila Bike Commuter’s Janardan das Ladyong.