NU #5
DECONGESTING TRAFFIC IN THE METRO
ARLENE-BUAN-GERONA
One of the things that I observe whenever I go abroad is the order and rationality in the conduct of the transport system of a particular country. I can't help but feel bad with the kind of transport system we have. I can only dream for our country to have such facilities, maybe in the near future?!
While I was stuck in a heavy traffic this afternoon, I thought of some ways that could possibly ease the traffic along Edsa. With these practical suggestions, I hope that time comes when I am able to go to my mom's place in Manila for 10 minutes, instead of having to drive from Fort to Manila for more than 2 hours! ( Balintawak Exit to Concepcion Tarlac is only 1hour and 20 mins thru SCTEX) My nanny argued that we would have reached Manila faster if we just walked!
Some suggestions:
1. Lessen number of vehicles in EDSA
· Odd/Even Coding Scheme. There should no window hours along Edsa. Even Number ( M-W-F ) Odd numbers ( T-Th-S )
· Ban all 10-15 year old private cars along Edsa
· Ban motorcycles in Edsa. There are alternative thoroughfares within the metro anyway
2. Overhaul the Public Transport System
Centralize Bus System. In most countries, public transport is being operated by the government or at least by a very limited number of operators. I suggest that we overhaul the system. Categorize it into two groups:
City Buses: Must cover routes throughout the Metro with designated bus stops/ bus interchanges, with specific schedules. It would be nicer if we use mini buses that can accommodate max of only 12-15 passengers for short term travel or in busy areas like Edsa, this shall eliminate long waiting time in designated bus interchange. Having bus interchange will also discipline our commuters to take a walk to bus stop to final destination or vice versa, and at the same time, this will answer our problem of congested buses in busy areas. Jeepneys on the other hand, can take passengers to peripheral areas, but terminal must be within peripheral areas and not along Edsa or in major thoroughfares.
Provincial buses:
First, there should be no bus terminals in major thoroughfares like Edsa. Terminals must be located in South and North exit terminals only in order decongest busy areas. We can use the traditional bus we have now, only we have to categorize them into:
· Red bus –will have fixed routes and only alight passengers in designated bus stop. Jeepneys and Tricycles can be used to carry passengers to peripheral destinations.
· Green bus- will operate along routes that will allow passengers to get on and off along the routes except where special prohibitions apply.
· Both buses must stop at city boundaries terminal and let the city buses take the passengers to the inner cities to relieved Edsa from bus decongestion
3. Revive waterways and railroad systems
Large cargo vehicle contribute to the narrowing of roads like in Manila, where lots of trucks pass by going to harbours. The revival of existing rail line will allow transport of cargos from piers by rail cars to other destination points. The streets in Manila will be relieved from giant cargo trucks!
We should revive the old times where ferries are used as a mode of transportation. Dead rivers must be revived and cleansed, and the government must propagate the use of our waterways as alternative mode of transportation. I read that there used to be a ferry from Laguna-Cavite, CCP-Bulacan-Pampanga. These water ways can significantly help relieve the traffic in major roads like EDSA and C5.
PNR trains must be improved as well, so that people might be enticed to use this mode. Increase number of coaches and trains and secure safety of commuters. Lastly, I dream for our country to have a bullet train that will take us across Philippine Islands. 4`
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