No end in sight for Metro Manila traffic

Traffic congestion in the Philippines, especially in Metro Manila, is a major problem. According to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Metro Manila’s gridlocks cost the metropolis some P3.5 billion a day that could skyrocket to P5.4 billion by 2035.

P3.5 billion, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) head of traffic Edison Bong Nebrija noted, could fund construction of a new bridge — alas not enough to put an end to the all-too-frequent “carmaggedons” that are now a part of Metro Manila life.

Based on MMDA records, around 386,000 to 402,000 vehicles traverse EDSA daily, beyond the highway’s capacity of 235,000 During the “ber” months — the Christmas season in the Philippines runs from September to December — this increases by 20 percent.

MMDA spokesman Celine Pialago said the main causes of traffic on EDSA, aside from the volume of vehicles, are an average of 42 accidents a day and the existence of 77 chokepoints comprising U-turn slots, intersections and mall entrances, among others.

The MMDA, which tallied an average speed of 19.30 kilometers per hour (kph) as of July this year, slower than the 19.57 kph in December 2016, has been implementing scheme after scheme in a bid to ease congestion, including strict implementation of the Expanded Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program and the bus-exclusive yellow lanes.

Others have chimed in and recently, GPI Engineers Inc. — an engineering consulting company — proposed to make EDSA one way. The idea seems simple enough. EDSA will be turned into a one-way southbound highway, while C5 will be turned into a one-way northbound thoroughfare.

Another proposal is the vehicular brand reduction program or the “brand coding” espoused by Ariston Gorospe, a former consultant of the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corp. Under this proposal, Toyotas will be barred from plying EDSA on Monday; Tuesday, Mitsubishis, Hyundais and Isuzus; Wednesday, Nissans, Fords and Fotons; Thursday, Hondas, Chevrolets, Mazdas and Subarus; Friday, Suzukis, Kias, Volkswagens and Mercedes-Benzes; Saturday, JACs, Tatas, Audis and BAICs; and Sunday, Minis, Lotuses, Volvos, Ssangyongs and others.

Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice, meanwhile, proposed that private cars be banned from EDSA during the rush hours of 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., leaving Metro Manila’s main thoroughfare for mass transport use.

The MMDA has said that it was open to suggestions put pointed out that these schemes would require further study. Policy is decided by the Metro Manila Council (MMC), which is comprised of all 17 Metro Manila mayors.

“Here is the thing; on the ground, you will see the frustration of the commuters, you will see the frustration of the motorists,” Nebrija said, admitting that the worsening traffic was taking its toll on the physical and mental well-being of Filipinos.

“Good thing we have not yet encountered road rage recently. But the thing is, the frustration is there, its real.”