New traffic force formed for airport, seaport roads as holiday season nears
The Inter-Agency Council on Traffic (I-ACT) has formed a new task force to manage traffic on congested roads going to and from airports, transportation hubs, and seaports in the metropolis with the expected influx and exodus of travelers during the holiday season.
Tim Orbos, I-ACT head, said Task Force Alamid is composed of 100 personnel from I-ACT’s member-agencies – Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Highway Patrol Group, Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“They are tasked to oversee traffic management and intensified clearing operations until December when the traffic situation is expected to be at its most challenging,” said Orbos.
Manny Gonzales, I-ACT secretariat head, said Task Force Alamid, like the animal it is named after, will work round-the-clock on identified traffic chokepoints in Metro Manila and neighboring cities.
“Task Force Alamid will issue citation tickets based on the violations and penalties under JAO (Joint Administrative Order) within the vicinity of terminals and airports. They can operate against illegal parking, clearing operation against obstructions, transportation, and traffic laws,” said Gonzales.
The formation of task force is in line with the presidential directive to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and MMDA to help alleviate traffic congestion in the country, particularly in the metropolis.
“We anticipate a large number of passengers going in and out of the country for a holiday trip or some would go to the provinces for vacation and spend Christmas with their families. We want to prepare ahead of that,” said Gonzales.
He also advised motorists to schedule their trips and leave their houses early to avoid being caught in heavy traffic.
Roads are expected to be heavily congested as Christmas draws near. Aside from the usual traffic, the season brings about promotional activities of malls and other establishments, balikbayans coming home for the holidays, and an increase in the number of tourists.