Despite the tragedy that is the Covid-19 pandemic, many nations around the world have taken advantage of this time to adopt policy changes in their transport sector; changes that are difficult to implement and achieve in normal times. Hence, we are seeing welcome initiatives in sustainable transport mainly focusing on achieving low carbon footprint and pedestrian/commuter prioritization. Bike lanes, pedestrian walkways, and green parks are taking over what was once the domain of motorized vehicles.
In a way, we are also currently experiencing this transformation in our country. The Edsa bus carousel, intended to regulate the buses in Edsa, would have been impossible to implement in pre-Covid times—but now it is happening. Designated bike lanes are also sprouting all over the metropolis. Other significant changes are the central provincial bus terminals outside the metropolis—the subject of much opposition before, but will soon be operational, as provincial buses will be banned in Edsa. This makes sense not just to decongest traffic but also to help regulate the spread of infections to and from Metro Manila.
All these are changes that we would not have seen happening if not for the pandemic. And while we are at it, here are some suggestions that the government might consider to undertake—needed changes that would be difficult to implement in normal times but changes that would, in the long run, be beneficial for all of us.
Let’s start with the low hanging fruits, and there are plenty. One is implementing fixed stops for the jeepneys, the UV express vehicles and the buses. No more pick and drop anywhere. This will contribute to a smoother traffic flow, as well as help in lessening our carbon footprint and reducing accidents on the road. Another one would be to strictly implement the motorcycle lanes, especially on major thoroughfares. A good model on motorcycle lanes that is less intrusive and easy to implement would be the one being implemented in Taipei, Taiwan. Come to think of it, this will be a good time to enforce basic traffic rules and regulations to the point that people will get used to it even after this pandemic. Why not? While our enforcers are on the lookout for those not wearing face masks and enforcing social distancing, it would not take much effort to see motorcycle riders not wearing helmets, jaywalkers on the road, and to check all those illegal terminals that plagued our roads before.
On the policy side, this will also be a good time as well to think through some policies that were contentious during normal times, with some that can even be resolved and implemented during this pandemic. One that we usually turn a blind eye to but surely know we need to address is the problem of parking. Now is a good time to look at it point blank and come out with a bitter pill if necessary. With less demand on travel, the need for an extra car might not be there anymore. Relative to this would be the regulation on vehicles that are 15-year-old and above—something that can be resolved at this time. It may also be a good time to finish the route rationalization plan in major road corridors and implement it now. This will ensure that the proper kind and number of public transport vehicles will address the passenger demand in a particular corridor. We are now seeing this happening in Edsa with the buses. Imagine if we can also do this in the other streets. And another one more forward looking would be the policy to go electric. Now is the logical time to finalize the policies on electric vehicles and implement it.
There are so many areas to work on that can improve our state of transportation, and much of these can be done at this time. True, we have never been collectively in such a worse condition than now but we can turn some of this into something positive. And hopefully when the pandemic ends, we can all look back at these changes we adopted and thank that we acted on them.
Thomas “Tim” Orbos was formerly with the DOTr and the MMDA. He has completed his graduate studies at the McCourt School of Public Policy of Georgetown University and is an alumnus of the MIT Sloan School of Management. He can be reached via e-mail at thomas_orbos@sloan.mit.edu