By Brian Jules Campued
The government is set to implement transportation measures to reduce traffic congestion in Metro Manila, including the expansion and extension of EDSA Bus Carousel routes, promotion of active modes of transportation, and a study on the viability of adding a motorcycle lane along the avenue.
In a reel posted on Facebook on Sunday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the government will also refurbish stations along and construct bridges across the Pasig River.
“We will prioritize active transportation facilities including safe walkways and secure bikeways to promote healthier and more sustainable modes of travel,” Marcos said.
In another video posted on Saturday, the President said the government, through the Build Better More Program, is ensuring timely completion of infrastructure projects by extending construction hours and implementing round-the-clock emergency repairs.
“In the face of climate change, we will greenlight projects that meet quality requirements para hindi napeperwisyo ang publiko sa mga substandard na imprastraktura na kailangang paulit-ulit ayusin pagkalipas ng ilang taon lamang o pagkatapos ng bagyo,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), along with concerned government agencies, are studying the viability of having a dedicated lane for motorcycles along EDSA as around 170,000 motorcycles use the major road daily, based on a DOTr study.
“‘Yung EDSA po natin four lanes lang po yan. ‘Yung isang lane meron na tayong busway. Doon sa right side na portion ‘yung bicycle lane. We are looking siguro po ‘yung katabi ng bicycle lane ang gawin nating motorcycle lane,” Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista said.
“Kasi ngayon makikita n’yo sa EDSA, lahat ng lane kinakain [ng motorcycle]. We’re working with MMDA on how we can improve the traffic situation relating to motorcycles,” he added.
With a motorcycle lane in EDSA, Bautista said the government aims to address the economic cost of traffic in Metro Manila which is projected to reach P9 billion a day in 2030, according to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
“Economic cost [of traffic], ito po yung additional fuel, additional cost, nawawalang opportunity for growth, lost time natin sa family,” Bautista said.
Based on a 2022 study by the JICA, economic losses from traffic in Metro Manila was estimated to be P4.9 billion a day. – avds