Commuter's plea

If the main reason for not allowing provincial buses to enter Manila is the traffic it creates, I have some suggestions to lessen it.

First, limit the number of buses that can enter the city. One way is to ask the transportation companies to divide the number of their buses into five. So there will be five groups, each group represents a week day. During weekends, since there is lesser number of vehicles in the streets allow the provincial buses.

Second, there should be one terminal for all provincial buses. This way buses would not create traffic in other places and passengers know where to get a ride.

Third, be strict in no parking areas. Some vehicles take Taft Avenue because in some areas streets on both sides are used as parking areas making it hard for other vehicles to squeeze through like Mabini Street. Here, from Gil Puyat Street up to Kalaw Street, both sides are used as parking area. Thus in many cases traffic is worsened when some vehicles load/unload passengers and delivery vehicles their products in that area. Fronts of some schools are scenes of traffic confusion because of undisciplined students with cars. For example is De La Salle University in Taft Avenue. Besides illegally parking their cars, some cars load and unload their passengers here.

Fourth, some jeepneys/buses use corner streets to wait for more passengers. As a result they block the way and prevent other vehicles behind to pass through.

Fifth, in corner streets with traffic light, vehicles turning left form not only two but sometimes three or four queues blocking the way of other vehicles going straight.

There are other traffic violations causing unnecessary traffic.

In short, strict implementation of the traffic rules can decongest traffic in Manila.

This letter is our follow up of our request to Mayor Alfredo Lim to allow provincial buses to enter Manila.

We reiterate that banning provincial buses create more harm than benefits. Taking extra rides mean additional expenses and loss of time to earn more on the part of employees and workers and to study among students. Also, transferring rides is an ordeal especially during stormy weather, and sometimes commuters also become victims of holdups, snatching and pick pocketing.

We know the good Mayor is also from a poor family and thus understands our feelings.

Many of us were former Manila residents and together with some relatives and friends are supporters of the Mayor.

Mayor Lim, we hope you will hear us – students, employees, workers, small-time entrepreneurs, senior citizens, physically-handicapped persons, ordinary professionals and other poor citizens.