The Root of the Metro Manila Traffic Problem and How to Solve It

Metro Manila, the capital region of the Philippines, is notorious for its traffic congestion. According to a 2019 study by the Boston Consulting Group, Metro Manila commuters spend an average of 66 minutes stuck in traffic every day, making it the third-worst city in Southeast Asia in terms of traffic. The traffic problem not only affects the quality of life of millions of residents, but also hampers the economic productivity and environmental sustainability of the country.

So what can be done to solve this seemingly intractable problem? In this blog post, we will explore some possible solutions that have been proposed by experts, policymakers and ordinary citizens. We will also evaluate their feasibility, effectiveness and potential impact on the Metro Manila traffic situation.

Possible solutions:

• Expanding and improving public transportation. One of the main causes of traffic congestion is the high demand for private vehicles, which outnumber the available road space. By providing more efficient, affordable and accessible public transportation options, such as buses, trains, jeepneys and tricycles, the government can encourage people to shift from private to public modes of transport, thereby reducing the number of cars on the road. Some of the initiatives that have been undertaken or planned in this regard include the construction of new railway lines, such as the Metro Manila Subway and the North-South Commuter Railway; the modernization of existing railway systems, such as the Light Rail Transit and the Metro Rail Transit; the implementation of a bus rapid transit system; and the regulation and rationalization of public utility vehicles.
• Implementing road discipline and traffic management. Another factor that contributes to traffic congestion is the lack of road discipline and traffic management among drivers, pedestrians and enforcers. Some of the common violations that cause traffic jams include illegal parking, counterflowing, over speeding, jaywalking, disregarding traffic signs and signals, and bribing or extorting traffic enforcers. To address these issues, the government can enforce stricter penalties for violators, such as higher fines, license suspension or revocation, vehicle impounding or confiscation, or imprisonment. The government can also deploy more trained and honest traffic enforcers, install more CCTV cameras and other monitoring devices, and implement a unified ticketing system.
• Developing alternative routes and modes of transport. A third way to ease traffic congestion is to create alternative routes and modes of transport that can divert or distribute traffic away from the main thoroughfares. For instance, the government can build more flyovers, underpasses, bridges and tunnels to connect different parts of Metro Manila and bypass congested areas. The government can also promote the use of alternative modes of transport that are more environmentally friendly and space-efficient, such as bicycles, electric scooters, motorcycles or carpooling. Some of the initiatives that have been launched or proposed in this regard include the construction of bike lanes and bike-sharing systems; the establishment of motorcycle taxi services; and the creation of a high-occupancy vehicle lane.

Conclusion:

The Metro Manila traffic jam is a complex and multifaceted problem that requires a comprehensive and holistic approach to solve. There is no single or simple solution that can address all the causes and effects of traffic congestion. Rather, a combination of different solutions that involve various stakeholders, such as the government, the private sector, civil society and commuters themselves, is needed. Moreover, these solutions must be implemented in a coordinated, consistent and sustainable manner to ensure their long-term impact and success.