Traffic survey shows need to decongest Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines - A recent study that placed the Philippines as among the 10 countries with the worst traffic situation in the world indicates the need to decongest Metro Manila, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino said yesterday.

“It speaks of the need for 10 more Metro Rail Transit lines. It speaks of the need to really disperse the industries in Metro Manila to other surrounding areas. It speaks of the high urban density of Metro Manila. It speaks of the economic growth of Metro Manila,” he said.

The countries with the worst traffic situation in the world are Kenya, Egypt, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Nigeria, Jordan, Iran, South Africa, Philippines and Thailand.

Tolentino said the survey shows that while Metro Manila is crowded, “economic opportunities, educational opportunities, recreational opportunities, medical facilities, among others, are here… I see no tactical mistake.”

The survey covers the average commuting time, commuting dissatisfaction, traffic inefficiencies and carbon dioxide emission in commuting.

Based on the study, regular commuters in Metro Manila needs 45.5 minutes to reach their destination.

The research firm Numbeo’s website was established in April 2009 by Serbian software engineer and mathematician Mladen Adamovic, who said he made sure the results of the firm’s studies are not influenced by any government.