We have a number of letters sent my readers specifically on how to deal with Metro Manila’s road traffic headache. Our government officials continue to bash their brains trying to outdo the rush of vehicles, both public and private, during weekdays. So here are a few more suggestions to consider.
We will start with a reader who is simply signed as Gilbert J. He says: “I’ve always followed your comments about the traffic problems with interest. I can’t understand why our authorities can’t use common sense in tandem with long term solutions.
“Tolentino wasted so much money on expensive schemes that failed or quickly lacked follow through and enforcement.
“Here are practical suggestions that don’t cost much:
“1. All buses have large numbers on their roofs. Why don’t they use the CCTVs on choke points to pinpoint violators. Send them tickets with large penalties to be paid within one week or the bus will be held.
“2. Don’t put bus stops after the intersection but only before. This will avoid blocking of intersections because of back up of lines of buses.
“3. Buses must not be allowed to get out of queue which causes them to block one to two lanes.
“4. Strict enforcement of waiting time in stops.
“5. Automatically take out vehicles off the streets which are visibly belching black smoke. No need to use expensive pollution detectors. Common sense!
“6. Have more motorcycled cops patrolling major roads whose primary task is to catch violators especially intersections susceptible to counterflowing vehicles. ‘Hagads’ used to be feared by drivers decades ago. Now they are used more to escort VIPs - dead or alive.
“7. Apprehend vehicles that block 1-2 other lanes to turn left.
“8. Are bus operator mafias that powerful that colorum buses can be eliminated?
“I am sure your readers can come up with more practical and inexpensive solutions.”
Gridlocks
Our second letter-sender is Raoul Alvarez, who wrote: “There’s one major factor regarding gridlocks along thoroughfares that is overlooked. What were in olden days thought to be the suburbs are now right within the heart of the metropolis (in the case of Metro Manila).
“And there they are stubbornly squeezing the transport arteries: the large gated, fenced-in ‘exclusive residential estates’ and other huge areas depriving logical avenues for transit.
“Just along EDSA [are] Dasmarinas Village, San Lorenzo, Belair, Urdaneta, Forbes Park, all fenced in for claimed ‘security concerns’. Then, up the old Highway 54 [are] Corinthian Gardens, Camp Aguinaldo, and Camp Crame. The zones deprive the public of the right to shortest possible ways – and there can be – from point to point in the urban expanse.
“Then, of course, [there are] the malls of which the LGUs are allowed to freely cluster competing mass-market developments. And because Metro Manila is bisected by a river, again, naturally, the lack of bridges over the Pasig.
“We’re afraid there’s no thinking that that ought to include those problems.”
Basic supply and demand
This next one comes from Francis Rodriguez. Let’s hear him.
“Just wondering why we don’t hear any solutions on lessening cars on the road? Why can’t we impose higher registration fees on old cars, i.e., 20 years up? Ban 25 years [old] and up cars totally. It’s a basic supply and demand.
“One car is around 10 sq meters. The roads can’t accommodate the influx of cars. All that is being done now are Band-aid solutions. The additional roads will not be enough if we don’t make a policy on old cars.”
Bad timing
This next one comes from Oscar G. Valenzuela who introduces himself as a retired ambassador. Here’s what he says: “It’s incredible that nobody mentions bad timing of traffic light changes especially at major intersections as a major contributor to traffic jams.
“Timing of red/green lights do not reflect ration of vehicles moving in crosswise directions. Often, lights stay red or green even though the street ahead has become clear. This causes traffic buildup and frayed nerves.
“In certain intersections especially on Macapagal Ave., lights change after 300 seconds! No city in the world has such lengthy traffic light changes. In addition, control of traffic lights should be removed from inept MMDA traffic agents – they often blink the lights at Osmena–Quirino Ave., Osmena–San Andres, Osmena–Zobel, Osmena–Vito Cruz, and allow favored north and southbound truck trailers to move rapidly while hapless motorists in the crosswise directions wait 5 minutes or more.
“Then, when it’s their turn, they are allowed 30 seconds!”
No development
And finally, from an irate motorist comes a very radical solution. Rene Moral writes: “The ‘D’ in MMDA stands for development. In the many years of its existence and despite billions wasted over these years, what has the MMDA developed? Nothing, except anarchy and chaos in our streets.
“It has experimented on the lives of Metro Manilans with their U-turn slots, uprooted acacia trees along Katipunan, yellow lanes for buses, blue lanes for motorcycles, etc., which only made life miserable for Metro Manilans.
“The MMDA is only a dumping ground for political allies of those in power whose main objective is to use the MMDA as a springboard towards a high elective office.
“The MMDA must be abolished!”
Citizen action
The outpouring of suggestions by readers, as demonstrated also in past issues only proves that citizen empowerment is very much alive even if so many people just feel like raising their arms in exasperation because of the seemingly unsolvable traffic problem in Metro Manila.
Let’s hope that our concerned government officials keep their ears, eyes and minds open on the suggestions that have been aired. The ‘ber’ months have already started, and as we get nearer to the holidays, traffic will definitely turn to worse – unless, of course, there’s a miracle.
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Should you wish to share any insights, write me at Link Edge, 25th Floor, 139 Corporate Center, Valero Street, Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City. Or e-mail me at reydgamboa@yahoo.com. For a compilation of previous articles, visit www.BizlinksPhilippines.net.