THE SAD truth is that we’ve outgrown Edsa itself.
Hope springs eternal, especially for commuters who live a big portion of their lives stuck in traffic.
The Aquino administration promised that they would leave the country in better shape than when they began. They clearly failed in one area: transportation. The daily travel time is now at 90 to 150 minutes. It’s no wonder that 42 percent of respondents to a recent Ford survey said that their commute was worse than a year ago, and 30 percent said that it was the worst part of their day.
Here’s our initial motoring wish list for the incoming administration of the presumptive President Rody Duterte:
1. Appoint a secretary for the high-speed improvement of traffic department.
With the cost of traffic estimated at P2.4 billion a day, the problem deserves the full-time attention of a Cabinet-level official.
The said official should have the power to implement well-thought-out measures to improve traffic flow. The focus should be on the major thoroughfares of Metro Manila, beginning with Edsa and C-5.
2. Let traffic flow.
Remove obstacles from existing roads. There are many instances lanes are used as parking spaces by commercial establishments. An example is how Barangay Libis occupies portions of C-5, blocking northbound traffic.
Another major obstruction would be the passenger loading and unloading by public utility vehicles. Jeepneys in particular have an uncanny ability to create a choke point while waiting for passengers.
3. Build good quality roads.
Our roads are in a state of perpetual repair, with fresh concrete and asphalt damaged after just a few weeks. “Reblocked” roads do not seem much better than before the repair.
4. More bridges.
With more bridges in place, especially crossing Pasig River, motorists can travel shorter routes to their destinations.
5. Let there be light.
Better lighting makes driving safer and also deters criminal elements.
6. Support CARS.
Even as more cars are being sold in the Philippines, fewer are being assembled locally. The recent CARS program should be supported and expanded to encourage investment in manufacturing of cars and auto parts.
7. Replace the jeepney.
Once the symbol of Philippine ingenuity, the jeepney no longer efficiently serves its function as a public transport. Carmakers should be challenged to come up with an effective replacement of the jeepney.
8. Overhaul the public transport system.
Choose an effective maintenance provider for the MRT systems, and require the companies running them to increase capacity.
Consider installing a Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) system along major roads. Studies have shown that the BRT could be an ideal transport solution for Metro Manila.
9. Restore faith in traffic cops.
Traffic police should be there to make traffic flow smoother and faster, and not hide behind bushes to catch violators.
10. Use technology.
The expansion of CCTV camera coverage and computerized traffic lights is a good start.
It’s unlikely that there’s a quick and easy solution to the traffic problem.
A recent government study suggests that a comprehensive transportation plan will be able to ease traffic congestion by 2030. This means that we should start now on a program that even subsequent administrations can continue.
One more thing: Can we please have our license plates and driver’s license before another administration takes over?
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