Mass transport system
MONUMENTAL traffic congestions remain a major problem of traffic authorities, motorists and commuters not only in Metropolitan Manila (MM) but elsewhere.
This, despite the fact that prices of diesel, gasoline and other petroleum products continue to increase in the world market, drawing jeers from beleaguered consumers.
Traffic congestion is a phenomenon that occurs when the number of motor vehicles, particularly privately-owned cars, exceeds road capacity, resulting in longer travel time.
Thus, it is heartening to know that Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian has offered a solution to the worsening problem of traffic congestion in Metro Manila and other urban centers.
Gatchalian wants local government units (LGUs) to develop their own mass transport systems and attract more foreign and local businessmen to invest in their communities.
Like other well-meaning Filipinos, we share the view of the lawmaker from Valenzuela City that traffic problems, especially congestion, affect economic growth.
“An efficient transport system is critical in generating economic activities. We should empower our local government units to establish their own transport systems,” he said.
Gatchalian urged his colleagues in Congress to speed up the passage of his Senate Bill (SB) 951, which mandates the LGUs to establish their own mass public transport systems.
He said the proposed legislation is in line with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal II.
The goal is to make cities and human settlements inclusive and resilient through access to sustainable mass transport system, according to the hard-working senator.
In the view of many, our lawmakers have no choice but to hasten the passage of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian’s bill.
