In an effort to alleviate expected heavier traffic jams during the Christmas season, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and mall owners and operators have agreed to start mall operations from 11am until 11pm, effective October 15, 2017- January 15, 2018.
This came out after a consultative meeting held at the MMDA main office in Makati City.
MMDA Assistant General Manager for Planning Jojo Garcia said, in addition to the late opening of malls, deliveries shall only be from 11am until 5am the next day to lessen delivery vehicles traversing the road during rush hours.
“Perishable goods are exempted. It should not be compromised,” Garcia added.
The MMDA and the mall owners and operators previously agreed that the conduct of mall sales be only during weekends to be implemented starting October 15.
MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim said these measures would help reduce traffic congestion, especially during payday Friday.
Lim also appealed to the public to start their holiday shopping early.
“Let’s enjoy the coming holidays and at the same time, konting tiis. Kailangan natin ang kooperasyon ng lahat, ng mall owners at operators, at ng publiko. Planuhin ang biyahe ngayong Kapaskuhan,” Lim stressed.
Mall owners and operators welcomed the said move of the agency.
“We support MMDA’s efforts to ease traffic as Christmas nears. It is good for the public. It will also be good for business,” they said.
Present during the meeting were representatives from Ayala Malls, SM Supermalls, Robinson’s, Starmall, Shangri-La, and Rockwell