Malolos is the capital and seat of the provincial government of Bulacan. As of 2020, this city had a population of more than 260,000 people. In terms of public transport, there are tricycles, buses, jeepneys, and UV Express AUVs plying the city streets everyday.
Another common transportation mode in Malolos is the “Karatig” jeepney, which is a smaller version of regular jeepneys. Karatig jeepneys shuttle passengers within the city.
To help ensure the safety of motorists, commuters, and pedestrians in Malolos, the city government has established a Traffic Management Division, whose functions are quite similar to those of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in Metro Manila.
What is the City of Malolos Traffic Management Division?
The Traffic Management Division is the office in charge of managing traffic and enforcing traffic-related laws in the City of Malolos. It is part of the city government’s Public Order and Safety Division.
Programs and Services
Aside from managing traffic, the City of Malolos Traffic Management Division also provides services such as issuance of regulatory stickers to jeepneys, processing feedback and complaints, among others.
Regulatory Stickers for Jeepneys
This service is provided to operators and drivers of Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJs). A regulatory sticker is required for them to be able to operate legally within the City of Malolos.
Processing Feedback and Complaints
Anyone who has feedback or complaint may go to the City of Malolos Traffic Management Division office. Here, they can fill up the Complaint Form — providing details such as the name of person being complained about, the incident, evidence, and their contact number.
The Complaint Form shall be forwarded to the relevant offices, which are required to reply within three days of the receipt of the feedback or complaint.
Traffic Advisories
Issuing traffic advisories is another important role of the City of Malolos Traffic Management Division. Typically, these advisories are issued whenever there are road accidents, construction, or special events. Here are some examples based on the division’s official Facebook page:
Road Accidents
Last May 22, 2024, there was a road accident that caused heavy traffic along McArthur Highway. Fortunately, the City of Malolos Traffic Management Division was quick to respond, making sure that traffic flow became smooth again.
Meanwhile, in the early morning of July 3, 2024, a trailer truck and container truck had collided at San Pablo Stop Light. This caused heavy traffic in the area for a few hours. In the same month, a temporary “one way flyover crossing” was implemented at Crossing (going to Calumpang). Motorists were advised to take “Crossing Ilalim” because the Vertical Clearance had been hit, and was being repaired by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Construction and Rehabilitation
Activities such as road construction and rehabilitation affect traffic flow, so the City of Malolos Traffic Management Division always issues road advisories beforehand. From August 31 until September 1, 2024, for instance, the roads beside the new Bulacan Arch boundary marker were closed from 10:00 pm to 4:00 am, to help hasten its reconstruction. A rerouting scheme was proposed to motorists.
Similarly, portions of Capital View Park Road were closed on September 9, 2024. The road had been affected by heavy rain and needed rehabilitation. Motorists were urged to take alternative routes.
Also in September, construction of the North-South Commuter Railway Extension Project (NSCR EX) of the HDE3G-MEGAWIDE-DONGAH JOINT VENTURE (HMDJV) was underway. From September 16 to October 23, 2024, a “one way” rule was temporarily imposed at Malolos City Heights (ALIDO) Subdivision, and alternative routes were suggested to motorists.
Special Events
Special occasions that may affect the flow of traffic are also announced by the City of Malolos Traffic Management Division. Last June 7-9, 2024, for example, a traffic advisory was issued regarding the opening of S&R Membership Shopping Malolos, which is located in Barangay Dakila, McArthur Highway. Heavy traffic was expected, so motorists were advised to take alternative routes.
A couple of months later, the Bulacan State University (BulsU) held graduation ceremonies on July 12 and 13, 15 until 19, 2024. Heavy traffic was expected along: McArthur Highway, Gate 1 of BulsU; Mojon Diversion Road; and Mabini Street or Plaridel Road. To improve traffic flow, a “one way” rule was imposed at Mojon Diversion Road during the course of the school’s graduations.
More recently, on September, Malolos City celebrated the “Singkaban Festival,” which involved several street activities such as Float Parade, Marching Band Competition, and Street Dance Competition. The parade began from Malolos Cathedral via Paseo del Congreso until Bulacan Capitol. Heavy traffic was expected, so motorists were advised to take alternative routes.
Road Safety Tips
From time to time, the City of Malolos Traffic Management Division shares tips for ensuring the safety of motorists, including drivers, passengers, and motorcycle riders. The picture below, which was posted on the division’s Facebook page, highlights several important road safety tips:
Anti Colorum Tricyles
Colorum tricycles, or those without franchises, are not allowed to operate in Malolos. The Traffic Management Division occasionally posts reminders, cautioning passengers against using colorum tricycles since these usually charge a higher fare (overpricing). Moreover, since colorum tricycles are not officially registered, it would be hard to track them in cases of emergencies or accidents.
To check if a tricycle is operating legally, commuters are advised to look for the following items in the vehicle: (a) fare matrix; (b) driver’s ID; (c) body number; and (d) tin plate.
Contact Information: City of Malolos Traffic Management Division
For those who have questions, complaints, and other concerns for the City of Malolos Traffic Management Division, you can get in touch with their office through the following contact details:
Address: G/F, New City Hall Building, Malolos, Bulacan
Telephone: 0908 102 6631
Email: citymalolos764@gmail.com
Website: https://maloloscity.gov.ph/citizen-charter-ctmo/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557696222940
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
Traveling in Malolos is made easier through the efforts of the city’s Traffic Management Division. Similarly, in other parts of the country, there are road authorities that are also tasked to ensure public order and the smooth flow of traffic. In Lipa, Batangas, for example, there’s the Lipa City Traffic Management Division (TMD).