The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority defended Wednesday a proposal to ban drivers with no companions on EDSA in a bid to lessen traffic on the major thoroughfare.

Speaking to DZMM, MMDA assistant general manager Jojo Garcia said the agency has data that 78 percent of private motorists on EDSA do not have companions in their vehicles.

"Kung mag-isa kayo sa sasakyan, definitely ipagbabawal kayo sa EDSA. Number 2, kung dalawa kayo sa sasakyan, pwede niyo gamitin ang EDSA pero nandun pa rin kayo sa number coding," he said.

He said vehicles with 3 passengers will be exempted from the number coding scheme.

"Wala na kayong coding. Pwede niyo na gamitin ang EDSA kahit anong oras niyo gusto," he said.

Garcia said that aside from lessening traffic, carpooling on EDSA would enhance social interaction. "Pwede kayo mag usap sa sasakyan dahil iisa lang destinasyon niyo," he said.

DZMM, October 11, 2017