‘EDSA traffic is hopeless.” We have heard this so many times and we begin to believe, seeing how it is every day.
I beg to disagree. Edsa is not hopeless. There are still so many things that can be done to increase travel speed in Edsa. It can be done. It has been done before.
I am not even talking about the ongoing projects, such as the MRT rehabilitation that will increase passenger capacity; the bridges that will destress Edsa and even San Miguel’s Edsa elevated skyway. Yes, all of these will definitely help, but not yet. Think of our situation as a seriously ill patient brought to the emergency ward. And let the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) be the emergency room (ER) traffic doctors. Think of the Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Works and Highways as the major surgical doctors. They are important but right now patient Edsa is at a critical level. And the ER doctor’s only mission is making sure that the patient stabilizes in time for the long-term major traffic surgical operations.
There are so many ER interventions but top of my mind now as I traversed Edsa on Friday are the following:
Move, Move, Move. Yes to Build, Build, Build, but we need to focus also on Move, Move, Move. Every second saved counts. To a certain extent, micro-manage Edsa. Because experience will tell us, one vehicle stalled contributes exponentially to congestion.
Intervening presence. More than enforcer visibility is appropriate enforcement intervention. Example: Every morning, traffic problem is southbound, then have more enforcers southbound. Toward the afternoon, the same thing, but northbound. Also, lessen the focus on yellow lanes during peak hours. Let’s be honest. There is shortage of road space at specific times. When it is rush time, be more forgiving but control the flow.
Take out what’s not supposed to be there. Jeepneys for one are not allowed on Edsa. But you see them at the fringes—in Balintawak, the Heritage/Taft, Baclaran area. They have to go. Also, pedicabs on Edsa. Why? Truck Ban—impose it. Even those peddling mineral water on foot, take them out. Enforcers from the local government units along Edsa? No business being there. They will only create confusion and opportunities for you know what. Long vehicle lines at the malls on Edsa? Take out the mall entrances off Edsa. Be strict on the details. That is the only way.
Technology 24/7. Use Metrobase. And coordinate this on ground. Radio commentator Ted Failon always mentioned this when I was at the MMDA. And he is right. The technology is there. But use it. Not just for no-contact apprehension—but to coordinate minute by minute what’s happening on the ground.
Proper place at the proper time. Take the case of the buses. Ensure that they strictly utilize the designated bus stops and bus lanes. Sorry, but right now, I still see buses with their door open loading and unloading passengers anywhere. This is not minor. Imagine if just half of the 4,000 plus buses do that just once everyday—that is roughly eight hours that could be converted to more bus trips on Edsa daily.
I firmly believe that MMDA should still remain as the traffic authority in Metro Manila, more so on Edsa. Its powers should be strengthened. And in its present form, be supported. The proposal to make Department of the Interior and Local Government as the concurrent central traffic authority won’t work. Besides, the DILG’s mandate is national and that should not be sacrificed for Metro Manila alone.
My advice though to those whose task is Edsa. Stop saying traffic will only worsen. We know that. Don’t make it an excuse for the job that you need to do. It only disrespects the agency and your bosses that you work for.
Let’s look at the MMDA as the ER doctor. It needs to resuscitate Edsa and stabilize it. We have no choice.
Thomas Tim Orbos was former DOTr undersecretary for roads and general manager of the MMDA. He is currently undertaking further studies at the McCourt School of Public Policy of Georgetown University. He can be reached via e-mail at thomas_orbos@sloan.mit.edu