MMDA to public: Adapt to traffic condition in MM

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority on Thursday said private motorists and commuters should learn to adapt to the traffic condition in the country.

The MMDA issued the statement  as major traffic snarls in Metro Manila  are expected in light of the impending construction of the Skyway State 3 project.

MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said the public should adjust their work and travel schedules and personal lifestyles to cope with the expected traffic congestion in Metro Manila.

Tolentino said Metro Manilans must adopt to what he calls the Roadways Construction Lifestyle Adjustment during the 32-month construction of the roadways system together with eight other road expansion projects.

"This is a construction of massive proportion that would last 32 months. Building this alternative highway is expected to create traffic problems so everyone should make adjustments," he said.

"What we need is extra huge amount of patience and understanding and cooperation but once Skyway 3 is completed, it will result in faster and more convenient travel within the metropolis," Tolentino added.
           
Unless important, Tolentino suggested that Metro Manila residents should limit their movements within their respective localities, and plan their travel efficiently as these will redound to lesser volume of vehicles and pedestrians in the streets.

"If you’re a Pasay resident, don’t go to Quezon City just to watch movies. We should plan our trips ahead so as not to contribute to traffic congestion and also for our own convenience," Tolentino said.

He also suggested to private companies to adopt a "flexitime" working hours for their employees, especially those located along the route of the construction projects.

Tolentino said the MMDA will lead a traffic summit on the first week of February to draft a comprehensive traffic management plan for the entire Metro Manila for the duration of the construction period.

Aside from Skyway Stage 3, he said that a number of road and infrastructure projects are lined up to start this year, which will inevitably cause inconvenience, such as the NAIA elevated expressway, Sta. Monica-Lawton Bridge, Makati Avenue underpass, and the Pasay-Taft flyover, among others.