Meycauayan is a first class component city in the province of Bulacan. It started out as one of the oldest towns in the province. As of 2020, it had a population of more than 225,600 people.
Located only 19 kilometers north of Metro Manila, many private vehicles and public buses travel or pass through Meycauayan everyday. Within the city, commuters use jeepneys and tricycles to get around. To help manage traffic, the Meycauayan Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) was established. Its functions are quite similar to those of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
What is the MTPB?
The Meycauayan Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) is a unit that operates under the Office of the City Mayor. As the term says, it manages traffic and parking activities, enforces traffic laws, and provides transport-related services in Meycauayan City.
Programs and Services
Aside from managing traffic, the MTPB provides different kinds of services, as cited in the Citizen’s Charter of the City of Meycauayan:
Redemption of Impounded Vehicles
This services applies specifically to impounded vehicles that were involved in accidents or colorum operations. It involves the release of impounded vehicles, upon payment of the necessary fines.
To redeem their vehicles, motorists/drivers need to submit the Traffic Violation Receipt and Original Receipt/Certificate of Registration (OR/CR) of the vehicle.
Redemption of Wheel-Clamped Vehicles
To redeem their vehicles, motorists/drivers need to submit the Violation Notice of Clamped Vehicles and a photocopy of one valid government issued ID.
Accepted IDs include: SSS/GSIS UMID card, driver’s license, PRC ID, voter’s ID, TIN ID, postal ID, NBI Clearance, PhilID/ePhilID, senior citizen ID, latest passport, and barangay clearance.
Application for Traffic Impact Clearance
A traffic impact clearance is required to determine of a particular project/development will cause any traffic or safety issues. It may be availed of by contractors of government agencies or Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs).
The requirements in applying for a traffic impact clearance include: (a) letter of request indicating necessary information (e.g. project, work schedules, location, etc.), addressed to the City Mayor through the Head of MTPB; (b) vicinity map of the project; and (c) excavation permit.
Traffic Advisories
From time to time, the MTPB issues traffic advisories, especially when there are road accidents/incidents, construction/rehabilitation, and special events or occasions. Here are some examples based on the MTPB’s official Facebook page:
Road Accidents and Incidents
Last September 5, 2024, the MTPB issued a “Flood Update,” describing the state of main thoroughfares. Some roads were described as “gutter deep, passable to all vehicles;” however, some roads were “knee-deep, passable to light vehicles.” In both cases, motorists were advised to travel or proceed with caution.
Meanwhile, on September 20, a “Traffic Alert” was issued due to an accident along McArthur Highway Calvario. A four-wheel vehicle had hit a streetlight, which was in danger of falling and causing further accidents. Motorists were advised to proceed with caution.
Similarly, earlier this month, on October 7, an electric post had falled on Libtong Service Road. Motorists were advised to avoid the area until the post was removed out of the way.
More recently, on October 9, there was a stalled vehicle — a trailer truck — along Iba/Malhacan Road going to Bukid area. The incident caused slow-moving traffic since only one lane became passable.
Road Construction and Rehabilitation
On June 3, 2024, the Department of Public Workers and Highways (DPWH) began construction/upgrading/rehabilitation work on several roads, including: Barangay Iba to Barangay Camalig Road (2.2 kilometers), and drainage canal starting from Iba Road boundary up to Camalig. Motorists were advised to take alternative routes to avoid traffic congestion in these areas.
Meanwhile, another Traffic Advisory was issued, regarding the closure of Bulak Road between August 5 and September 5, 2024. This was due to the North-South Commuter Railway Project. Motorists were advised to seek alternative routes to avoid traffic.
Also last month, on September 20, motorists were advised to drive slowly along Malhacan/Iba Road, near Sterling Meridian Mall. This was because the road was slippery and uneven as it was being prepared for the new asphalt laying project.
Special Events and Occasions
Sometimes, there are special events and occasions involving parades and street activities, causing traffic in Meycauayan. Before these events take place, the MTPB issue Traffic Advisories.
Last July 13, 2024, for instance, a homecoming parade was held for Chelsea Anna Manalo, a resident of Meycauayan who won the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 pageant! The grand parade started from the city of Meycauayan Common Terminal, up to the City Hall. Motorists were advised to take alternative routes during the event.
Meanwhile, on August 16, a Traffic Alert was issued regarding a Religious Procession commemorating the Feast of San Roque. The MTPB informed motorists that the event could affect the flow of traffic, and advised them to seek alternative routes.
On September 29, the MTPB released another Traffic Alert, this time due to a parade featuring the players of Mayor’s Cup 2024. Between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm, a one-way rule was imposed on Hulo-Banga Road, which was part of the parade route.
More recently, last October 4, a street dancing activity was held as part of the “Suguran Festival” of Meycauayan City. The MTPB announced the route for the said activity, and advised motorists to consider alternative routes during the event.
Road Updates
The MTPB provides “Road Updates” regularly, stating the traffic update on select roads at certain periods. Below is a table shared by the MTPB, providing a road update for September 5, 2024. As you can see, major roads were described as “passable” or “not passable,” depending on their traffic status as of 4:00 pm.
Contact Information: MTPB
For those who have questions or concerns for the Meycauayan Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB), you can get in touch with this office through the following contact details:
Address: Meycauayan City Hall, MacArthur Highway, Meycauayan, 3020 Bulacan
Telephone: (044) 919 8020
Email: mtpb@meycauayan.gov.ph
Website: https://meycauayan.gov.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MTPBOffice/
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
Being quite close to Metro Manila, it’s not surprising that there are many people traveling to and from Meycauayan City everyday. Fortunately, the Meycauayan Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) is here to help manage traffic and other road activities.
Likewise, in other parts of the province, other local road authorities have their hands full, managing traffic and transportation, as well. One of these is the City of Malolos Traffic Management Division.