Mall opening draws heavy traffic

CEBU, Philippines – Vehicle traffic went considerably heavy to and from SM Seaside City at the South Road Properties in Cebu City as the fourth biggest mall in the country opened yesterday.

Cebu City Transportation Office head Rafael Yap said the increase in the volume of vehicles in the area was noticed as early as 8 a.m.

As of 1 p.m., heavy traffic was experienced at Vestil Street near SM Seaside, Natalio Bacalso Avenue, F. Llamas Street, the area near the Mosque in Barangay Mambaling, as well as the area near the SRP viaduct.

Heavy traffic was still observed by 5 p.m., especially along Natalio Bacalso Avenue, V. Rama Street, Mambaling flyover, F. Llamas Street, and at the SRP viaduct.

CCTO Executive Director Rey Gealon assured the city’s traffic personnel were present in the field.

“Noticeably, it can be said that the number of vehicles may have tripled, if not quadrupled, compared to the usual number passing through these roads prior to the SM opening. CCTO personnel have covered all bases in the field anticipating this reception, from manning intersections around SM to assisting the crossing pedestrians,” Gealon said.

Yap said they have projected the “abnormal traffic flow”, which was why the city removed the center island along the Mambaling Access Road.

“Karon lang tingali nga it is not normal because of the opening and because daghan og sale sa Seaside. So, this is an abnormal situation although naa tay detailed personnel sa sulod sa parking. They are still finding their way around,” he said.

“We are still continuously monitoring the situation. In contact with the operator of the MyBus to discuss the outcome of today (Friday) kay affected ang operation sa MyBus sad given the volume (of people),” he said.

Just the other day, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-7 approved one of the franchise applications of Metro Rapid Transit System Inc. that operates the SM MyBus.

The franchise has three hybrid bus units to serve the route from Talisay City to Cebu City via SM Seaside City, Mambaling, Natalio Bacalso Avenue, and vice versa.

The operator can collect the approved rate of P25 per passenger. The Certificate of Public Convenience will be valid for five years.

SRP Management Office head Roberto Varquez said there are unfinished projects that would help address the traffic concern at the SRP, one of which is the viaduct near Talisay City where a “U-Turn lane” would soon be provided for vehicles. The lane would be completed next month.

“Karon man gud, kon gikan kas Talisay, mo-left turn paka sa Mambaling so that will create traffic kay ang volume sa sakyanan nga mo-adto modaghan,” he said.

“Kon gikan ka sa city, in going to SM, dapat dili ka moadtos Mambaling access road, diretso lang ka kay naa may entrance sa ilang gitawag og Church Avenue,” he added.

Another project that is yet to be completed is the asphalting of the Mambaling Access Road.

“Naay gi-recommend ang CCTO nga buslutan ang island sa coastal para ang mga taga-Talisay City, maka-left turn sa Calungsod or Church Avenue,” he said.

At the City Hall, Mayor Michael Rama welcomed the opening of the mall.

Rama described the mall as “iconic, catalectic monument that creates an impressive landscape for the City of Cebu and even the entire Cebu and thus to continue more elements that will assure the continuing competitive level of the City of Cebu.”

SM Seaside City has two entrances – at the Church Avenue and at the Seaside Drive. — Jean Marvette A. Demecillo/JMO (FREEMAN)