Commuters should see results in next 100 days – Palace

Pia Ranada

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Commuters should see results in next 100 days – Palace
More convenient locations for purchasing train tickets and improved 'waiting rooms' for commuters are some proposals presented to President Duterte in the July 11 Cabinet meeting

MANILA, Philippines – Even without the emergency powers over transportation, the Duterte administration is acting on the Metro Manila traffic crisis, said Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella.

A presentation of transportation solutions by Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade was one of the highlights of the Cabinet meeting held on Monday, July 11, Abella told Malacañang reporters on Tuesday, July 12.

“Secretary Tugade made a presentation yesterday and already they have a menu of changes which could very positively impact the rate of flow of traffic soon, very soon,” he said.

Asked to clarify the Duterte administration’s timeline for solving traffic, Abella said, “Within the next 100 days, you should be feeling something, mayroon mga resulta na (there should be results).”

More convenient locations for purchasing train tickets and improved waiting areas for commuters are just two of the proposals being considered by the transportation department.

“There are certain proposals – being able to purchase tickets, not just from on-site, to be able to buy tickets from other sources. Also proposing nicer and better waiting rooms,” Abella said.

He did not elaborate on where the improved “waiting rooms” would be – if in airports, bus stations, or train stations.

The transportation department is also eyeing “technical adjustments” in order to “increase incrementally the number of passengers and trips,” said Abella. 

Other targets previously announced by Tugade include cleaner bathrooms and faster Internet in airports. He was also considering using cable cars in Metro Manila.

President Rodrigo Duterte has asked Congress to grant him emergency powers in order to fast-track projects for the alleviation of Metro Manila traffic. 

In the Senate, Senate President Franklin Drilon has filed a bill granting Duterte such powers for two years. In the House of Representatives, former president and now Pampanga 2nd District Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has drafted a similar bill. – Rappler.com

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Pia Ranada

Pia Ranada is Rappler’s Community Lead, in charge of linking our journalism with communities for impact.