Traffic congestion
THE government would do well to come up with highly-effective measures aimed at addressing the worsening traffic congestion in Metropolitan Manila (MM) and surrounding areas.
Without intervention, the economic losses due to “monumental” traffic jams were earlier projected to reach a staggering P5.4 billion a day by 2035, according to a study.
When the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) conducted the study in 2017, the daily economic loss was placed at P3.5 billion.
The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has urged the government to focus on improving Metro Manila’s mass transport systems.
The influential MAP said the authorities should not concentrate on constructing elevated toll roads to solve traffic congestion.
MM. otherwise known as the National Capital Region (NCR), is considered as one of the most densely-populated areas in the country.
Building elevated toll roads is a “quick fix” that may offer traffic relief, according to MAP.
However, the association was quick to point out that elevated toll roads will ultimately fail to address the underlying issues, like sustainability.
According to the association, prioritizing investments in mass transit systems is a more viable and sustainable solution to the problem.
And it is heartening to know that concerned government offices and agencies are determined to address the traffic congestion in the metropolis.
Particularly during the so-called rush hours in the morning and afternoon.
