Solving traffic needs integrated approach
Aside from the pestering flooding predicament that has been besetting Cebuanos for years, one thing the local government units in Metro Cebu should prioritize this year is the problem of the worsening traffic situation.
Last year was a big challenge as far as finding a solution to the traffic problem is concerned. There had been efforts implemented -rerouting and road widening, among others- but none of them made a significant impact in the drive to solve the problem.
In fact, just days before Christmas, we saw a preview of what's in store for us for the next few years if authorities failed to solve the traffic problem: heavy congestion along highway from Talisay City to Minglanilla town that stranded motorists for at least eight hours.
One such reason is the lack of coordination among LGUs around the metro in solving the problem. It would have been better if there was a single body managing the metro traffic since an integrated solution is always better than any individual approach.
Of course, road widening, rerouting, and banning of tricycles along major thoroughfares, among others, can help alleviate the situation. However, real solution will only come once a real overhaul in the infrastructure system is implemented.
By saying real infra overhaul, we mean realization of big ticket projects. And we are talking here about the need to construct alternate highways, subways, tunnels and overpasses, aside from an integrated mass transport system that Cebuanos should immediately embrace.
We have to admit that aside from poor management by the LGUs, the worsening traffic situation in the metro can also be attributed to the rising middle class whose increasing purchasing power includes the capacity to buy cars for safety and comfort.
We do hope that this year, a revolution will take place that would eventually solve the traffic crisis in Metro Cebu. Therefore, it's high time for authorities to seriously embark on a concrete and integrated approach as they strive to find the right solution.