MMDA to open subdivision roads to public

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is planning to open roads in gated subdivisions to serve as alternate routes during certain hours of the day to address the worsening traffic situation in the metropolis.

“The disturbing fact is that at least 20 percent of the 5,030-kilometer road network in Metro Manila are in gated subdivisions,” MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino told reporters during yesterday’s weekly Bulong Pulungan forum in Hotel Sofitel.

He also said vehicles going to schools make up 50 percent of the traffic volume during school days.

The MMDA chairman said the opening of gated subdivision roads to the public may meet strong opposition but it is one of the solutions to address the daily traffic gridlocks in Metro Manila.

He said the number of vehicles on the same road network increased from 419,000 in 1978 to 2.4 million at present.

A 2.6-trillion transportation road map prepared by the Japan International Cooperation Agency indicates that Metro Manila needs 137 kilometers of new roads, 78 km of urban expressways and 200 km of elevated railways, according to Tolentino, who said it may take until 2030 to build these structures if the road map is carried out. He also said they are also considering a flood-free subway system for the metropolis.

During the forum, Tolentino also said that the MMDA’s budget was reduced and this will result in the reduction of manpower. The agency will tap volunteers to help in traffic management during the rush hours, he said.