QC solon proposes solutions to Metro traffic

MANILA, Philippines – The chairman of the House of Representatives’ committee on Metro Manila development proposed on Tuesday, October 22, measures to fix the national capital region’s serious traffic problem.

Representative Winston Castelo of the 2nd district of Quezon City will submit to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) the following proposals:

1. exemption of car pools from number coding
2. truck ban in major thoroughfares and secondary streets from 5 am to 10 pm
3. total ban on provincial bus terminals along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA)

Castelo joins various agencies and individuals that have come up with solutions to ease traffic congestion in Metro Manila, especially in EDSA.

READ: Our traffic hell, an exit strategy | Traffic roadmap for Metro Manila out soon

Castelo’s car pool solution stipulates that there should be at least 3 passengers in a private vehicle for it to be exempted from MMDA’s number coding system, implemented in Metro Manila from 7 am to 7 pm.

The second proposal extends MMDA’s existing truck ban in EDSA to secondary roads like Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City.

His third measure would affect provincial bus terminals along EDSA. Most of these terminals are located in Pasay City, and Cubao, Quezon City.

Admitting that his proposals would be met with opposition from commuters and the public transport sector, Castelo said that “drastic problems require drastic solutions.”

“We assure the public that we are on top of the situation and we are preparing with the MMDA to come up with ways and means so that we will be containing the problem right now,” Castelo added.

Once MMDA approves these proposals, the volume of vehicles along EDSA would go down by at least 20%, the congressman said.

Castelo also plans to file a House bill that would compel all 16 cities and one municipality in Metro Manila to follow traffic rules and ordinances set by the Metro Manila Council.

This is in reaction to local ordinances that differ from what is implemented across Metro Manila, like the bus ban in the city of Manila and varying number coding rules in some cities.

On Manila’s bus ban, Castelo said, “[It’s] as if they have their own republic.” – Michael Bueza/Rappler.com