In an effort to alleviate expected heavier traffic jams during Christmas season, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and mall owners and operators have agreed to rationalize mall operations between the hours of 11 a.m. and 11 p.m., to be effective from October 15, 2017 to January 15, 2018.
This came about after a consultative meeting held at the MMDA main office in Makati City.
MMDA Assistant General Manager for Planning Jojo Garcia said that, in addition to the late opening of malls, deliveries shall only be from 11 p.m. until 5 a.m. the next day to reduce the volume of delivery vehicles during rush hours.
“Perishable goods are exempted. That should not be compromised,” Garcia added.
Last month, MMDA and the mall owners and operators agreed to conduct mall sales only during weekends, to be implemented starting October 15.
MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim said these measures would help reduce traffic congestion, especially during payday Fridays.
Lim also appealed to the public to start their holiday shopping early.
“Let’s enjoy the coming holidays and, at the same time, make do with a little cooperation from everybody: the mall owners, the transport operators and the public. Plan our trips this Christmas season,” Lim stressed.
Present during the meeting were representatives from Ayala Malls, SM Supermalls, Robinson’s, Starmall, Shangri-La, and Rockwell.