The plan of LTFRB Chairman Bert Suansing to reduce the number of buses plying EDSA is very commendable and worthy of support. The plan will ease traffic in Metro Manila’s main thoroughfare and help lessen air pollution and improve air quality in the metropolis. The traffic in EDSA confronts every commuter travelling to and fro on a day-to-day basis. Bus drivers who need to meet their boundary fees are always racing against each other for passengers. This increases the incidence of accidents and aggravates traffic, not to mention stress on the drivers and the passengers, affecting their well-being.
However, the most serious concern is the quality of air in Metro Manila which has been proven to adversely affect public health. The fact that incidence of bronchitis among children in Metro Manila is 11 times the national average is enough cause for concern and should prompt immediate action. To lessen the number of buses on EDSA to an appropriate level which is still responsive to the needs of commuters (while taking into consideration other modes such as LRT, Pasig ferry, and maybe even the rehabilitated railway) will result in a considerable decrease in the contributing factors to air pollution. It will also lessen the use of fossil fuel by the transport sector, thus also lessening releases of greenhouse gases such as CO2. An improved air quality will eventually lead to less respiratory illnesses and a healthier lifestyle of the people. On the economic side, it has been the experience of LGUs that when the number of public transport is regulated, the profitability of each operator/driver also increases. Half empty buses on EDSA really do not make sense.
It is for these reasons that Earth Day Network Philippines (EDNP) supports this initiative of Chairman Suansing. We join him in this plan and call on all to do the same. Let us work with him to make this a reality to achieve Clean Air for All! — BEBET GOZUN, Chairperson; ODETTE ALCANTARA, Country Coordinator, Earth Day Network Philippines