Confine EDSA buses in their lanes

The idea that three lanes in EDSA would be set aside exclusively for buses, as suggested by the MMDA, needs some re-thinking.

There are unquestionably more private cars and commercial vehicles combined that run most of the length of EDSA, as compared to the number of buses. You can easily prove this by passing through the bus lanes where traffic moves faster.

This being so, the private and commercial vehicles should have more lanes in EDSA, rather than the opposite, as espoused by the present effective and "hands-on" MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando. It is when these buses intrude into the lanes not intended for them that the flow of traffic is interrupted.

Give them the two lanes – one for their wanton stops anywhere in the main thoroughfare and the other for their passing. But, at all times these buses should be contained in their assigned lanes. They should not be allowed into the underpass and overpass, for they would surely inconsiderately load and unload anywhere before or after them to the consternation of other motorists.

As the mass railway transport system expands in the metropolis and extends its coverage to the entire length of EDSA, market forces would eventually dictate the reduction of buses in EDSA and further improvement of traffic flow.

In the meantime, the confinement of buses to their assigned lanes in EDSA should have some traffic engineering infrastructure involvement, where these buses would be physically deterred from getting out of their assigned lanes.

Worth re-thinking, Mr. Chairman?

Environmental concern: A business must

It was the corporate citizenship of HCPI, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. that was in focus last week as it demonstrated its bid to help guard the environment by planting tree seedlings at the La Mesa Watershed.

Led gamely by its president and general manager, Mr. Kenji Otaka, together with deputy head for marketing Mr. Arnel Doria, officers and associates and some members of the media trooped to the watershed last Friday, August 23, and planted some 400 tree seedlings of Philippine endemic species that has more than 90-percent survival rate.

Honda Cars Philippines recently signed up with ABS-CBN’s Bantay Kalikasan to support its "Adopt-a-Tree/Adopt-a-Hectare" reforestation project to help rehabilitate, develop and protect poorly stocked and denuded portions of La Mesa Watershed, one of the three major sources of water supply for the Metro. The rehabilitation of the watershed, considered as the only forest of its size – 2,700 hectares – in the heart of urban Metro Manila, is projected to result in improved water supply for metro residents.

It is heartening to know that many of our local car manufacturers have common commitments to the preservation of the environment. It’s high time that the rest who have not, should follow suit.

Readers’ mailbag

To Sam who was asking about the Toyota Sequoia, let me say that I have not test driven the model and no word from our friends from the local Toyota Motor Philippines as to whether it would be released locally. If you have seen a couple in the road, they’re probably from the gray market or from a second hand model from the car auction.

Freddie Chen is requesting information regarding motor shows in Manila for the next nine months. I know there’s a big one coming up, which I read is a recent press release. Let me do a little research as these shows are more often than not only announced when the due date is nearing. I am not sure if there are fixed yearly dates for these like they do abroad.

Perry T. Canlas wrote in his concerns regarding what he terms as "appalling and oppressive sight" of all kinds of vehicles parked along Sucat Road and Ninoy Aquino Avenue in Parañaque causing much traffic congestion in the area. This is for the ears of Parañaque Mayor Joey Marquez and MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando. I shall also have this motoring problem taken up in the Public Service segment of our TV show Motoring Today.

Dr. Jose S. Ramirez (no relation to our Motoring Today co-host) of Diliman, Quezon City wrote about an unusual yet serious experience he had with Volvo GLE 850, which he bought from Viking Motors in 1995. He claims that the airbag of the said car suddenly deployed as he turned the ignition on causing injuries to his arm and damage to the car’s interior.

What I can only do now is to refer your letter to the local Volvo guys for their reaction to your claims. With most modern-day cars having airbags as standard safety equipment, the public should be well informed as to any passive dangers they may have.

More concerned viewers

When we wrote about our TV show’s existence being threatened for a while due to logistical problems brought about by the airtime rate increase implemented by National Broadcasting Network (which they have understandingly rolled back), many of our viewers wrote, called and showed up just to demonstrate their support for their 15-year old "Sunday viewing habit." More letters come like the following:

From Myrna Ann Cruz Pangan, "Please fight for it. My husband and I love watching your shows. It’s one of our "bonding" times. We learn a lot from it. We’ll keep on supporting."

From Bob who e-mailed from the US:"I was one of your avid fans when I was still in college in Manila. I enjoyed every one of your "Motoring Today" TV shows, always wondering if I’ll ever get the chance to ride and enjoy at least one of the cars you talked about or featured. After finishing medicine, getting married and moving to the US, I look back to those good old days and believe me there would always appear a smile in my face. Thanks a lot for your wonderful show. It was one heck of a motivator to excel in my field of endeavor to afford those dream cars I could only drool over years ago. By the way it’s great news to know that your show won’t sign off for good after all. Who knows how many more guys like me would you inspire."

Happy motoring!!!

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