Will and change in attitude key to EDSA mess
We have more instant responses to our last column on Metro Manila’s traffic situation. The first one comes from Marlon Mangalus. He writes:
“I’m an OCW (overseas contract worker) based in Singapore. I can only envy how efficient the Singapore Transport System and feel very disappointed every time I go home for vacation and whenever I drive in Metro Manila.” Disorganized, inefficient
& undisciplined
“A lot of reasons cause the heavy traffic in Metro Manila. A major reason is discipline (and courtesy) especially for PUJ (public utility jeepneys)and PUB (public utility buses) drivers.”
“Our public transport system is very disorganized and inefficient. Jeepneys should be phased out on major roads and replaced with double decker bus (if applicable) for more efficient use of road.”
“The multi-franchise system is no good. Each route should only be controlled by one company (maximum two), like our water system (Maynilad and Manila Water), and should be measured using KPIs (key performance indicators).”
“PUB routes should complement LRTs (light rail transits)/ MRTs (Metro rail transits). Unloading and loading bays should be strictly implemented to force commuters to walk.”
“The MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority) should be given full responsibility for traffic flow on major roads (not those local traffic enforcers who sometimes do not know anything about traffic laws.)”
“U-turn slots on EDSA are not advisable since motorists are very irresponsible and inconsiderate. Traffic lights might be more suitable. The bus lanes should be fenced so that they (bus drivers) won’t eat private car lanes.”
“Include traffic class in HS (high school) curriculum to teach children traffic laws and road courtesy. LTO (Land Transportation Office) should be privatized (or at least the issuance of license). (There should be) strict issuance of driver’s license.”
“Tricycles and pedicabs should be ban on major roads. Clear sidewalks. SLEX and NLEX, Cavitex, SCTEX and other expressways should have same RFID tag-device.”
“Speed limits on roads (like on Macapagal Ave. and Commonwealth) should be reasonable; 60 kph is ridiculous for a sedan/SUV, 80-100 kph is more practical, 60 kph for buses and trucks.”
“Gate of Hell”
“Manila is really a Gate of Hell when you are stuck in traffic, see all the slums, dirty rivers/esteros, uncontrolled cable and power lines, however built buildings and structures, unpleasant oversized billboards and garbage all over.”
“Another issue that needs to be addressed is our country’s gateway. The 2-km radius from airport should have a standard look/ambiance. Clear all the nuisance shanties; it’s very disappointing to see within the airport area all the slums.”
Start somewhere to change
John Logarta, another letter sender, says: “Too many buses. Too many jeepneys. Too many tricycles.
“Get rid of them, especially jeepneys and trikes. Drivers who may be displaced should be retrained for other occupations (that need manpower).”
“Get MMDA higher-ups on the road more often to check traffic conditions on the ground instead of sitting at their desks.”
“On one occasion, at the stop light between Trinoma and SM North, I was in a vehicle waiting for green when a jeepney came along and parked itself almost in the middle of the intersection. A few seconds later, another jeep did the same.”
“Both basically disrespected all the other drivers who were following the rules and had stopped in the right place.”
“I called the traffic aide over and asked him if what the jeepneys were doing was not illegal. He basically told me that at that particular time of day (maybe 7:30 or 8 p.m.), they (the traffic aides) usually let the jeeps do what they will.”
“If the drivers have no respect for or do not fear the enforcers or the law, there will be anarchy on the road.” “Increase traffic fines. Make it painful for traffic violators. “Create some kind of mechanism to hold the traffic aides assigned to a specific area accountable for traffic conditions – maybe suspend them from duty (if they don’t perform).”
“Also get rid of stupid traffic enforcers – especially those who flag private vehicles down for “swerving” – because they’re obviously out to make money.”
“Obviously, these are suggestions that may be idealistic. But if we don’t demand it and we don’t start somewhere, nothing will ever change.”
ÔAyos lang ÔyanÕ attitude From Tony Serquina, another reader, are more suggestions with emphasis on need for strong will on the part of government authorities and a change in Òayos lang ÔyanÓ (it’s OK) attitude on the part of the general public.
“While all suggestions on solving the traffic problems on EDSA are practical, the reality of it is that the solution lies in whether the MMDA and the local and national governments have the moral will to implement meaningful solutions.”
“By this I mean is the government ready to finally ban and confiscate all colorum public utility vehicles plying EDSA? I am amazed at how to this day, when it is very easy to identify these illegals vehicles, that they continue to ply and clog EDSA!”
“Another critical aspect is the moral integrity of the MMDA and police forces that are mandated to enforce the traffic laws. There are enough laws already in place that if improperly and honestly enforced will immediately alleviate at 50 percent of the problem.”
“Personally I think nothing constructive is ever going to come out of all the suggestions submitted because in the end, that dastardly Pinoy attitude of “ayos lang Ôyan” will prevail. Sad to say but it is the truth!”
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