We received a few emails about the traffic situation and we’d like to share some with you.
Most of them would rather remain anonymous. Here is the first one:
I would like to make an anonymous comment about the current re-routing of traffic in Plaridel St., Mandaue. The re-routing was implemented only yesterday (Jan. 17) and traffic enforcers claim that it is still in the experimental stage. But what an experiment!
It is such an inconvenience for those of us who pass by the Cansaga Bay Bridge everyday. From the North Reclamation Area going to Cansaga Bay Bridge, we have to make a 3-kilometer detour to make a U-turn under the Marcelo Fernan Bridge before we can get to Pakna-an and the Cansaga Bay Bridge. We have to pass through a dirt road under the bridge which gets flooded when it rains. Moreover, the additional 3 kilometers we have to travel everyday hikes up our fuel consumption and gas prices nowadays are sky high!
From the Cansaga Bay Bridge going to Plaridel St., we have to pass Burgos St. which is a narrow road with vehicles parked on the sides. The situation creates heavy traffic going to Gaisano Supermetro especially during peak hours. This means lots of wasted time, wasted fuel and a waste of hard-earned money!
The traffic rerouting only benefits those going to and from Lapu-Lapu City but creates great inconvenience for those using the Cansaga Bay Bridge and those headed for the north. Admittedly, traffic in Plaridel St. was quite heavy before the rerouting and, certainly, something must be done about it. But authorities can perhaps think of a better plan to decongest the traffic instead of making us travel greater distances and suffer heavier traffic in the minor roads of Mandaue. This is causing so much inconvenience to the residents of Mandaue and the neighboring municipalities. Traffic authorities should also consider our welfare because, after all, we are also stakeholders.
I’m sure they can think of better ways. Perhaps a U-turn slot can be created in the center island to make the detour shorter? Or maybe limit road use by trucks, buses and heavy equipment?
Thank you for giving time to this letter.
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Jesson Morata, a regular correspondent sent this email:
I just want to make a reaction on the recent statement I heard from a news program in one of the local AM stations here. According to a certain government agency, people in Cebu are becoming richer because more are having new vehicles.
This is because, according to their statistics, more vehicles are now registered here in Cebu. And the surge in traffic volume in the major and minor thoroughfares is a manifestation of this.
Well, I beg to disagree to this statement. While it is true that more vehicles are now on our streets, this doesn’t mean that people are becoming richer and can afford to buy vehicles. This actually does not follow. Buying a vehicle for me can be categorized into two. That is buying a brand new car and buying the second-hand/surplus/refurbished units. It cannot be denied that some do patronize the latter because of the much low down price tag. It does not matter how new vehicles are registered each year.
But what that particular government agency must carefully look into are vehicles, both private and public ones that are no longer road worthy still running our streets. Take a look at our streets, I am still wondering why are there so many public utility vehicles are still plying their routes when judging from their dilapidated looks, are no longer fit to be on our streets. I am surprised that these no longer road worthy vehicles are at our roads when in fact they should have been at a junk shop. Having new franchises for taxis should also be put on hold, because I think there is more than enough taxis serving the commuters.
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Solving the traffic problem takes only one step, the proper implementation of the laws.
If done, there would only be qualified drivers on the road and only roadworthy vehicles would be allowed to operate.
Why can’t our government officials think about this simple solution? Maybe because there is no money if this is done.
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For your comments, complaints and suggestions please feel free to contact us at 2531276 or 2538613 local 237.
You can also send email to nimrod@mozcom.com .