‘Metro Manila traffic may breach pre-pandemic level by June’

MANILA, Philippines — The volume of vehicles along major thoroughfares in Metro Manila may breach the pre-pandemic level starting next month, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said yesterday.

In an interview on Teleradyo, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said improving mass transportation would lessen the possibility of motorists buying cars.

“If mass transport is good, fewer motorists would buy cars, which adds to traffic jams on the roads,” Artes.

He expressed hope that the next administration would improve the mass transport system and that there would be decentralization of some industries from Metro Manila, to improve the traffic situation.

“There may be some sectors that could be moved from Metro Manila to nearby provinces so the region would not be clogged with people and vehicles,” Artes said.

He said vehicular volume would reach pre-pandemic level by June when face-to-face classes resume.

The MMDA recorded about 400,000 vehicles in Metro Manila roads a day before the May 9 elections.

“There are no face-to-face classes yet. If we would have physical classes in June, we expect that the 405,000 pre-pandemic vehicular volume could be breached,” Artes said.

Aside from the proposed modifications on the number coding scheme, Artes said he would meet with Civil Service Commission chief Karlo Nograles to discuss the possible adjustment of work hours for government employees to ease traffic congestion.