'Metro Manila traffic speed in 2015: 33 kph'

MANILA, Philippines - The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has vowed to improve traffic flow in the metropolis, Senator Ralph Recto said Wednesday.

Recto said if the MMDA delivers on its promises, average vehicular traffic speed on major roads in Metro Manila will increase to 32.8 kilometers per hour (kph) this year, from the original target of 29 kph.

And for 2015, traffic flow will further improve to almost 33 kph.

The senator said these are among the promises attached to the MMDA's request for a P1.98-billion operating budget for 2015.

He admitted that the agency may have a hard time delivering on its promises, which includes floodwater subsiding at a quicker rate, if its 2015 budget is P323 million lower than its present.

For next year, the MMDA is eyeing a three percent decrease in traffic-related accidents and a 15-minute response time to 93 percent of traffic accident and obstruction reports.

On flood control, the MMDA seeks a 10 percent reduction of flooded areas, from 4,570 hectares to 4,105 hectares for rainfall of less than 40 millimeters per hour.

On waste disposal, Recto said the MMDA has set a target of a five percent yearly reduction rate on trash generated with a recycling rate of 50 percent, up from 38 percent this year.

Recto said MMDA's budget is only a fraction of the combined budgets of the 17 cities and municipality it covers, "yet much is expected" of the agency.

"It doesn't control the mass transport system, it doesn't run the trains, it doesn't construct the roads and the flyovers, it doesn't control the police, it doesn't register the cars, but it is getting a disproportionate share of the blame," he said. -Louis Bacani