MAP opposes new tycoons’ toll roads
‘Having elevated toll roads is a quick fix that may offer traffic relief, albeit short-term, as they ultimately fail to address the underlying issues of sustainability, equity, and environmental impact.’
Amid the pronouncement of business tycoons Manuel V. Pangilinan and Ramon Ang of an elevated expressway to ease traffic congestion in major thoroughfares of Katipunan and EDSA, the Management Association of the Philippines stressed that such a proposal is “not feasible” and will not resolve the gridlock that has long been the bane of Metro Manila commuters and motorists.
“Having elevated toll roads is a quick fix that may offer traffic relief, albeit shortterm, as they ultimately fail to address the underlying issues of sustainability, equity, and environmental impact. The Braess Paradox and, similarly, the induced demand phenomenon have proven time and again that adding more road space only attracts more cars that will sooner than not choke the new road space with severe traffic congestion. The status quo ante will prevail in no time,” MAP vice president Noel Bonoan and Eduardo Yap, chairperson of the MAP Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said in a joint statement on Friday.
Pangilinan and Ang said an elevated expressway in Katipunan and EDSA is up for discussion, resulting in combining their toll road assets.
Both said that with the newly formed toll road conglomerate, projected to rake up P50 billion annually, expansion opportunities will be jointly explored, with an initial focus on addressing Metro Manila’s traffic-choked roads.
Mass transport is key
MAP officials expressed the need to prioritize investments in mass transit systems and for a viable and sustainable solution to the mobility challenges faced by the National Capital Region that will align with the National Transport Plan and the MAP’s Holistic Plan for traffic and transportation.
“A well-designed mass transit network, including efficient bus rapid transit systems, light rail transit, and metro systems can significantly move more people and reduce congestion by drastically reducing private car usage while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality,” the joint statement indicated.