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. *
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| 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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