MMDA to clear EDSA of traffic obstacles

MANILA, Philippines - The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will clear Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) of traffic obstacles to complement its proposal to expand the number coding scheme in the area to lessen vehicle volume on the main thoroughfare.

Asked why MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino proposed an expanded number coding scheme without strictly implementing the laws against colorum vehicles and illegal parking in the area, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said this was being done.

There are also illegal vendors on the side of the main avenue. Jeepneys and even tricycles are also allowed to use it.  Moreover, jeepney terminals have reportedly been put up on some spots beside EDSA.

Malls and other establishments are likewise situated near the area and the MMDA is planning to remove provincial bus terminals to decrease the number of vehicles plying the route.

Valte said concerned agencies, particularly the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, are working to clamp down on colorum vehicles and other violations of laws related to traffic and vehicle acquisition.

She added that choke points have been identified and teams have been sent out to remove those illegally parking on EDSA.

Valte also said the expanded number coding was only one of the suggestions that could be tackled by the MMDA and the Metro Manila Council but there were many other possible courses of action.

“They continually, really, look for ways; and it is good if there is public discourse. At least, they know the pulse of the public before they discuss the proposals,” Valte said over radio dzRB.

Valte also reminded local government units that the MMDA is not the only one in charge of ensuring orderliness and smooth flow of traffic in Metro Manila, particularly on EDSA.

Alternative modes of transport

Sen. Pia Cayetano, meanwhile, called on the government to complement its vehicular volume reduction schemes with the development of alternative modes of transportation and walkways for pedestrians.

She filed a bill that would implement a shift towards safe, healthy, non-congestive and non-pollutive locomotion and transportation systems, including non-motorized transport such as bicycles.

Cayetano’s Senate Bill No. 26, or the proposed Sustainable Transportation Act of 2013, envisions more bicycle lanes in roadways as biking is fast becoming popular in the country.

An avid cyclist and triathlete, Cayetano said that biking has slowly developed from being just a hobby and sport to a regular means of transportation for students, private and government workers, even among professionals and company executives.

Cayetano’s bill also calls for the construction of more pedestrian footbridges, institutionalization of a Bus Rapid Transport System, revival of Pasig River ferry and establishment of similar water ferry services as alternatives to the current public transport system.

Mechanisms would also be introduced to encourage carpooling and vehicle-sharing schemes in workplaces, schools and communities.

To make the programs envisioned in the bill successful, Cayetano said there should be a collective effort between the MMDA, local government units and other concerned government agencies.

Cayetano lamented that the traffic situation, particularly in Metro Manila, has worsened over the years and this, coupled with the problem of flooding, has made traveling on a daily basis miserable for motorists and commuters. – With Marvin Sy