MM traffic: gov’t not listening

A resounding “yes” to Peter Wallace’s question: “Been stuck in traffic lately?” (Opinion, 2/13/14) If only the concerned government officials would heed Wallace’s suggestions, I am pretty sure our unbearable traffic condition would greatly improve.

Heavy traffic in Metro Manila has become an ordinary event. I wonder what the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is doing to address this chronic plague. How about the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the concerned local government units? Couldn’t government tap other agencies to help solve the traffic mess?

As a daily commuter from Quezon City to Makati City, I have tried all routes and means of transportation available just to be at my workplace on time. For the 8 a.m. call time in Makati, I have to be out of our house at six. That’s a cool, precious two-hour

allowance for travel. Going home is another two-hour ride (at least) through fumes and all. I would call it a lucky day if I get home before 9 p.m.

The word horrendous is not an accurate description of the daily traffic in the city. Travel via the Metro Rail Transit and the Light Rail Transit sounds good, but the long lines of commuters are disgusting. Getting a ride during peak hours takes an hour. Being pushed and squeezed in the process is insult added to injury.

Travelling during peak hours via Edsa is neither advisable. It seems all types of vehicles pass Edsa. MMDA men, who are supposed to help ease the congestion, are of no help. Undisciplined drivers, especially bus drivers, get on with their merry ways despite the CCTVs.

Many times, I have taken the risk of taking “colorum” vans either from Quezon Avenue or from España, Manila. I know the danger of riding in these unregistered passenger vehicles, but I am left with no choice. (I can’t afford taking a taxicab to Makati every day.) I pity the drivers when they are harassed by greedy traffic enforcers and policemen. Yes, they are not supposed to pick up passengers without the required government permit. But does our government offer ways to legalize them?

In one of my bus rides via Edsa, I heard our driver offering sensible suggestions to solve the worsening traffic along Edsa. I likewise hear wise opinions from jeepney drivers whenever they are stuck in traffic. Are there forums held to get suggestions from these men who have spent a good part of their lives on the road?

And is there a way to regulate or limit the number of cars on our roads, which are now “overloaded”?

Something must be done to address the worsening traffic mess in our metropolis. The problem speaks badly about our country. How could we talk of progress when we can’t even solve our traffic problem?

—BELEN DOCENA-ASUELO,

[email protected]