Proposed traffic and transport plan drafted

A joint summit resolution was signed by the concerned heads of different government agencies in the Metro Manila Transport and Traffic Entry Summit held on Friday, signifying their commitment to fully support the crafting of the Metro Manila Traffic and Transport Action Plan.

Those present who signed the resolution are Secretary Enrique T. Ona of the Department of Health, Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje of the Department of Environment and National Resources, Rogelio L. Singson of the Department of Public Works and highways, Jose P. De Jesus of the Department of Transportation and Communication, and Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis N. Tolentino.

The proposed Traffic and Transport Action Plan, a list of projects and managing documents that are the result of both previous talks on the traffic situation between concerned groups prior to the summit as well as inputs from presentations during the summit itself, was handed over by Mr. Tolentino to Congressman Roger G. Mercado of the House committee on transportation and Congressman Tobias M. Tiangco of the House committee on Metro Manila Development.

Mr. Tolentino said in the summit that this one, dubbed an “entry” summit, was first of several to complete the proposed traffic and transport plan.

“[After submitting to Congress], we will still hold consultations in order to get inputs [from the various stakeholders and agencies] concerned,” he said in response to questions on the finality of the proposed plan.

Two more summits, including workshops, will be held next year to complete the plan.

For his part, Mr. Tolentino gave several proposals to improve the traffic situation in Metro Manila. These include criminalizing and prescribing stiffer sanctions for “colorum” vehicles, reckless driving, and speed limit violators, among others.

He also proposed several infrastructure projects, like the construction of an elevated road structure along C5, improving and widening alternate routes, and establishing motorcycle lanes along thoroughfares.

“CHRISTMAS LANES”

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has opened alternate routes to be used during the Christmas season, where congestion along major thoroughfares is expected.

MMDA Chairman Francis N. Tolentino said in a statement that if these alternate routes, dubbed “Christmas Lanes”, are successful, they will still be utilized even after the Christmas Season and be eventually renamed as “Mabuhay Lanes.”

“Our objective is for private motorists to bypass Epifanio De los Santos Avenue (EDSA), thus, reducing traffic volume along [it],” he said in the statement.

The lanes start at both north and south entry points of EDSA. For northbound motorists going south, they may use McArthur Highway, right turn to Samson Road, C-4/Letre, R-10, A. Bonifacio, Roxas Boulevard to destination.

For motorists coming from the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), they can exit at various points, most importantly at the newly constructed Mindanao Avenue access ramp.

From south to north, the Christmas lanes start at Coastal Road and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

Mr. Tolentino added that these alternate routes, which are the ones used during the construction of the EDSA Metro Rail Transit (MRT) in the late 90’s, are not being fully utilized, resulting to further congestion.

He adds that he has also directed the concerned units of the agency to put up directional signs along the alternate routes to guide motorists.

“For their own convenience, we are asking the public to use these alternate routes. We will clear these routes of obstructions and detail traffic enforces to assist them,” he said. –Businessworld