Traffic czars to gather vs “carmageddon”

CEBU, Philippines — To prevent another 'carmageddon,' the governor has called for a meeting with the traffic managers from the local governments of the southern part of Cebu on December 10.

Carmageddon is a term associated by Cebuanos to ultra-heavy traffic congestion.

Cebu Provincial Focal Person on Traffic Management Jonathan Tumulak said that the meeting's agenda is to create a traffic management plan which will be put in place from December 15 to 25, when the traffic congestion is expected to thicken due to the Christmas rush.

Among the expected attendees are traffic managers from the metropolitan area, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Highway Patrol Group, and other Capitol officials.

“Gipatawag na ni Gov para pagpangandam sa grabeng traffic alang sa umaabot nga pasko, Christmas rush, tungod ni sa last year nga carmageddon,” he said.

To recall, commuters had to traverse the southern portion of Metro Cebu for about seven to 10 hours last year due to heavy traffic when normally it can be done within an hour or two.

“Tungod to sa as alleged nga ang ilang traffic enforcers nag-Christmas party,” Tumulak said.

Moreover, there were multiple road accidents recorded along the stretch of Talisay City and Minglanilla town.

Furthermore, Tumulak urged the traffic managers of the local government units to either hold early or delay their respective Christmas parties so they may focus on their duty especially beginning December 21.

Tumulak added that coordination meetings among traffic managers are essential in order to harmonize operations of the neighboring cities and towns.

He said that it is one of the functions of a provincial inter-agency council on traffic (I-ACT).

“Wala pa siya officially na-launch pero functioning na siya,” he said.

A few months ago, a provincial ordinance creating an I-ACT Cebu Province was passed.

However, Tumulak said that its launching was delayed due to the Capitol's hectic schedule following the Naga City landslide.

It is thus eyed to be launched next year.

At present, coordination meetings are conducted to address this issue.

Once Christmas season is over, a separate meeting will then be conducted in preparation for the New Year and Sinulog season. (FREEMAN)