JICA study says Philippines loses P4.1B daily over traffic

JICA study says Philippines loses P4.1B daily over traffic



Traffic seems to be synonymous when you say Metro Manila. If we will also factor in the inefficient mass transport system that worsens it-  our major thoroughfares is described  as almost a parking lot.

Day in day out, its being experienced by everyone- a great equalizer actually no one is rich or poor that is exempted in experiencing the cities horrendous traffic.

The Duterte administration has been given the gargantuan task in trying to solve this traffic mess, the past administration was not able to solve it and it continues to be a pain in the neck. *
EDSA during rush hour (photo credit to businessworld)

According to Transport Assistant Secretary Mark de Leon, said that a Japanese study found that the country incurs daily economic loss of P4.1 billion ($81.426 million) due to traffic congestion.

A 2017 updated study from Japan International Cooperation Agency( JICA)  revealed that economic loss due to traffic is now at P4.1 billion daily which is double the P2.4 billion ($51 million) estimated loss in its 2012 study.

JICA also warned that by 2013, the Philippines would lose P6 billion ($119 million) daily due to traffic.

Assistant Secretary De Leon cites inconvenient public transportation worsens the traffic in Metro Manila.

“Kaya lumalaki ang congestion levels kasi iyong mga tao will not opt to use public transportation. Kaya dumadami iyong traffic natin,” De Leon said, as quoted by reports, at the Senate Committee on Public Services hearing into the jeepney modernization program this  Monday.

The Asec said this as he presented the government’s plan to modernize public utility vehicles. He said there are almost 180,000 registered jeepneys in the country and 90 percent of these vehicles have been running for more than 15 years, augmenting the traffic congestion.

The transport official said the government is pushing for the modernization of jeepneys. The Department of Transportation is planning on imposing stiffer guidelines for jeepneys to ensure public safety. *

Department of Transportation is planning to have a “route rationalization program” wherein public utility vehicles would travel on designated routes identified in the Local Public Transport Route Plan.

During the Senate hearing , major transport groups made known their opposition in the government’s plan to phase out jeepneys aged 15 years and up.

The Duterte administration thru  DOTr vowed to engaged in dialogue with all transport groups to discuss their concerns regarding the program.  Secretary Tugade said he is open to suggestions regarding the issue.
 
report from Philstar

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