PNoy eyes odd-even scheme to remedy Metro traffic woes
The government is mulling the implementation of the odd-even vehicle reduction program to ease the perennial traffic congestion in Metro Manila, President Aquino announced yesterday.
During a visit at Rizal Technological University in Mandaluyong City, the President revealed that banning cars with odd and even license plates on alternate days may be the most radical measure to reduce by half the number of cars on the road.
“Ang akin po: Ang pinakaradikal dito ay hatiin ang bilang ng bumibiyaheng sasakyan, salitan ang pagbabaybay ng odd at even na plaka sa ating mga kalsada kada linggo (For me, the most radical solution is the alternate travel of cars with odd and even license plates on the road every week in order to reduce the number of vehicles),” the President said.
“Pihadong luluwang ang trapik dahil kalahati ng sasakyan ang mawawala, pero sigurado pong marami na namang aalma dahil hindi magagamit ang kotse nila [This will reduce traffic congestion because half of the cars will be off the road but I’m sure many will likely oppose this because they cannot use their cars],” said Aquino after listening to the Department of Public Works and Highways briefing on Metro Manila’s anti-flood projects.
At present, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) implements a number coding scheme that prevents cars from being driven around the metropolis once during weekday depending on last digit of its license registration plates.
Back in 2010, the odd-even scheme for private vehicles in EDSA was shelved by the MMDA due to lack of support from concerned local government units.
Too many vehicles Based on the data provided by the Department of Trade and Industry, Aquino said more than 22,400 brand new vehicles are purchased by consumers every month.
Almost 100,000 motorcycles were also purchased every month last year, Aquino said. In total, there were 1.2 million motorbikes on the road in 2014.
“Ang resulta po: Siyempre, lalong siksikan sa kalsada. At natural, dahil sa trapiko, ang sasakyan at motorsiklo na pinag-ipunan mo nang husto, mas mabilis malalaspag dahil nakababad lang sa karbon (The result: The roads are congested. And naturally, the cars and motorcycles you saved for will easily break down due to idling that produces carbon monoxide),” Aquino said. ‘Ideal situation’ Aquino conceded that the “ideal situation” is to build more roads and bridges but such construction may take years to complete. There will also be laborious discussion especially on the issue of rightof-way, he added.
He reiterated that the repair of the Guadalupe bridge has been derailed due to complaints from some groups on the inconvenience it will bring to their communities.
The government originally planned to build an alternative bridge crossing Pasig River from Global City to Shaw while the bridge repair will be conducted, Aquino said. ‘Patience please’
Towards the end, the President asked for public patience and cooperation amid the implementation of government programs aimed not only to alleviate traffic but also floods in the capital.
“Makiisa at dagdagan ang pag-unawa at pasensya. Sa inyo namang pakikiambag masisiguro nating sabay sabay tayong uunlad [We need to unite and view the situation with patience and understanding. With all of us contributing our best efforts, we will certainly share in enjoying the fruits of progress],” he said.
Aquino tackled the government’s efforts on traffic management amid mounting complaints about the worsening traffic situation in Metro Manila. Some groups have even called for the resignation of MMDA chair Francis Tolentino for failure to resolve the traffic woes.
Tolentino, rumored to run for senator next year, is among the government officials who accompanied the President during his visit to the school in Mandaluyong.
Meantime, the President has ordered Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras to conduct consultations with various stakeholders to integrate government plans to address the traffic woes in Metro Manila.