Vehicles’ sharing to solve traffic woes

CEBU, Philippines – “The best solution to the traffic problem in the city is to go into sharing of vehicles,” according to Dumaguete city Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria.

Neighbors who go to work or school every day may ride in one motorcycle, he said, commenting that one of the causes of traffic jams is due to the rising number of vehicles on the street, he said, adding that even students ride on their own motorcycle, contributing to the traffic problems.

“Before, a family of three or four share rides, but today each member of the family already has his or her own motorcycle, crowding the streets with these vehicles,” he said.

Statistics showed Dumaguete has about 10,000 to 15,000 motorcycles running every day, excluding the many four-wheeled vehicles competing for space on the streets, said the mayor.

Sagarbarria said if motorists insist on driving their own vehicle at all times, “I don’t think we have a solution for the moment, even if additional enforcers are fielded. The best solution would be to go into sharing of vehicles, coupled with discipline in driving.”

The mayor also announced the construction of a diversion road, traversing several rural barangays in the city. This is expected to be finished by 2017 and is expected to ease traffic congestion off the city’s central area. (FREEMAN)