We’re always slow and late

Though many motorists welcome the news that finally the McArthur Highway would be widened so that those who can’t afford to pay for the world-class facilities of the now fully rehabilitated North Expressway would have a more convenient alternative route to take, they still can’t get over the fact that the reaction was so slow.

It took years for the Manila North Tollways Corporation to fully complete the construction of the rehabilitated stretches in its aim of assuring motorists that when completed the North Expressway can hold its own when compared to the best highways of the world. And many of those who regularly travel the route are saying that all throughout that time we should have already started parallel efforts to widen the McArthur highway. The road-building could have been done in a piece meal basis so as to have a more programmed and stretched schedule of financial requirements. And similarly the impact of the road works on the traffic of vehicles would have been much lessened, instead of doing all the construction work requirements lumped at one time.

The possibility of increased toll fees after the rehabilitation, the cost of which as expected and projected, ran to the billions was a given. And many of those who regularly travel the route would find the fees tough, even if they were more than commensurate to the services provided. Then why did we have to wait for all the protests and for the public to pay much more than they can afford just because there was no suitable alternative that was offered.

Yes, we are always late.

Work on the MMDA’s strength

Much of the coffee shop talk presently is on the move, as a mater of fact, legislative proposal to abolish the MMDA.

If one is to ask the Mayors of the Metro, a whole slew of them would opt for the prospect of clipping most of its powers. Some may just want the present leadership changed, while some go for the complete abolition of the agency.

Some Mayors though have actually volunteered that the root of the row between the MMDA leadership and the local Mayors is money — revenues collected from traffic violation fines.

In the light of all this, if it’s actually the reason, some observers are suggesting that considering that the MMDA’s most visible and successful task is traffic management and control (this includes pedestrian traffic and therefore encompasses sidewalk clearing), then let it go on managing the traffic at EDSA and all National Roads and collect for its coffers to maintain its operations the revenues from the fines of traffic violators apprehended in these areas.

The Mayors would then take care of the traffic management of their cities and municipalities and collect the revenues from traffic violators caught in the respective localities.

To me this sounds logical but I really don’t know if it’s workable and practical. But definitely, it’s worth looking into.

If you will take into account the views of some of the Metro’s residents, you would find out that Chairman Bayani Fernando is considered to have the firmest political will, when it comes to implementing what he wants to happen in Metro Manila, next only to the former First Lady Imelda Marcos, who was also its first Governor.

Many also consider BF as the best the Metro has ever had as a Chairman except for his U-Turn Scheme, which he still refuses to take out in some areas where they visibly fail. Arguably though, this traffic scheme works in the wide avenues, where there are at least four lanes on each side.

There are the pros and cons to the idea of abolishing the MMDA altogether or just having a change of leadership. What do you think?

Toyota completes IMV line up in the Philippines

When I received the invite for Toyota’s morning launch of the Fortuner, I was both relieved and excited. Relieved, because although it was a morning affair (which I hate being a night person, meaning I sleep late and wake up real late) it was being held at the classy Bellevue Hotel in Alabang, which is very near my place and I didn’t have to wake up early in order not to be late. Excited, because this is the same vehicle that a couple of us Pinoy motoring journalists test drove in Australia together with a slew of other Toyota models just a few months ago, and it’s finally here in the Philippines.

The coming of the Fortuner was actually no secret. It’s actually much-anticipated and awaited by many, all curious to find out how this all-new Sport Utility Vehicle that would complete Toyota’s IMV (Innovative International Multipurpose Vehicle) line up together with the Hilux pick up that was introduced in December and the Innova that was launched last February, would look like and feel to drive.

If you’ll consider the Fortuner as a compact SUV, its overall dimensions would make it definitely the biggest in its class.

It comes in two variants — in 4X4 with a 3.0 liter Toyota D4D Diesel engine or 4X2 with a 2.7 VVT-i gasoline engine both with automatic transmission.

The 4X4 variant comes with Direct Injection Common Rail engine that’s equipped with a variable nozzle Turbo-intercooler. Its 163 PS @ 1,400 rpm and torque of 343 Nm @ 3,200 rpm is vaunted as the highest in its class.

The 4X2 model comes with 2.7 liter, 4 cylinder, Variable Valve Timing Intelligent (VVT-i) engine with a maximum output of 160 PS and torque of 241 Nm.

Toyota’s claim of a most comfortable ride comes from a suspension system of an independent double-wishbone with coil spring and stabilizer at the front and a four-link with coil spring and lateral rod at the rear.

Safety features of the Fortuner include ABS, dual SRS airbags, reinforced cabin, side impact beams and collapsible steering column to name some.

Don’t let me rob you of the excitement of discovering for yourself the other technical features and amenities of the Fortuner. It’s best that you check them out yourself at your nearest Toyota showroom. But you should not procrastinate lest you find out that there isn’t any unit left in the showroom for you to see.

The world-class facilities come with a guide book

A full color handbook that features general tips for driving in the new North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), from handling emergencies, understanding road signs and traffic rules and regulations — the gospel of road safety, comfort and economy — was recently launched by the Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) and Tollways Management Corporation (TMC).

"This is our way of saying that the motorist is as much an important factor to assure the realization of our top three goals within the NLEX — enhanced safety, greater comfort and more economical travel" stressed former DPWH secretary and current MNTC president, Jose "Ping" de Jesus when the 114-page handbook was launched to media and special guests.

The handbook, which can be had at a very low subsidized cost, explains in detail the features of the 84-kilometer NLEX, locations of the 100 emergency call boxes along the north and south bound lanes and detailed maps of the different exits and interchanges of the world-class highway.

It’s actually a guide to comfortable and safe driving. Kudos to the MNTC.

Pit Lane Notes

The very outspoken Eddie Irvine once again let his mouth run, this time against 7-time Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher. Not only did he say that Schumi no longer has the fighting spirit that won him all those championships, but also that he was the most boring World Champion the sport ever had. He also said that the crown that used to be unquestionably Michael’s should now be passed on to Renault’s Fernando Alonso, who, in his opinion, is the new king. Kimi Raikkonen of McLaren Mercedes, according to Irvine, is up there with Alonso as well. Schumi’s 2nd place finish in Imola was a sign of the times, he reportedly said, because the Schumacher of old would have done anything and everything to pass the person in front of him, even if it meant risking a minor nick on his car. I am expecting Irvine’s residence and mode of transportation to be pelted with rotten tomatoes and eggs by angry Tifosi within the next couple of weeks.

Michael, on the other hand, is warning all his rivals that they should write off Ferrari just yet. He said that the season has practically just started, and we’re a long way from the finish line so to speak. He is absolutely right, we’re only five races into the 2005 season, and a lot can still happen. He, however, admitted that the title would be quite difficult for them to win at this point, but he is definitely not giving up. Aside from Irvine, Ralf Schumacher is joining the throng of Schumi doubters, saying that his brother might as well give up now because Alonso’s 34 point lead would be very hard to catch up to. Okay, we’re talking about his brother here. Everyone’s saying an 8th World Championship would be impossible for him to win, at least this year. If this doesn’t get his ass going I don’t know what will. I’m sure he’ll be using this as a driving force in Monaco so watch out for him.

Let’s go from one superstar to another. Schumacher is to Formula 1 as Valentino Rossi is to MotoGP. There were talks going around that Rossi would soon discard his bike and move on to F1 in 2007, but the people from Yamaha are denying these reports. They said that although it will of course be up to Valentino, that topic has never been touched on so far, and no date has ever been set. So I guess you Rossi fans will have to wait a while before we can see him drive alongside your favorite F1 heroes.

Motoring Tip of the Week

According to official sources from automobile manufacturers there is no such thing as an official "right hand to left hand drive" conversion kit.

If you are own a converted vehicle we advice you to exert extreme caution while driving — for your safety and for those with you and around you.

Happy Motoring!!!

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