MAP INSIGHTS

It has been three years now since President Duterte promised to solve Metro Manila’s traffic problem. So far, traffic has gone from bad to worse. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) wants emergency powers, while the Senate wants DOTr to submit a master plan before granting it emergency powers. Unfortunately, no compromise has been reached — at the expense of the commuting public.

The solutions contemplated have become short-term to medium-term, or medium-term to long-term: right of way problems bog down the NLEX-SLEX connection, as well as MRT 7 (North Ave. to San Jose del Monte); fixing the MRT3 is taking longer than usual; the start of a fast train to Malolos and a Metro Manila subway has been announced, but no mobilization is apparent.

Metro Manila needs temporary and shortterm solutions to improve traffic flow.

There are just too many bottlenecks all over the place caused by expressways and highways with too many intersections and u-turns; intersections too near each other; vehicles parking on roads thus reducing lanes; road repairs at peak hours; too many jaywalkers; drivers who did not go to driving school or were not properly tested; poorly trained traffic enforcers; and worse, drivers who do not know or follow driving etiquette.

This article reflects the personal opinion of the author and does not reflect the official stand of the Management Association of the Philippines or the MAP.