Solutions for Decongesting EDSA Before Summit Eyed
Solving traffic congestion on EDSA and the rest of Metro Manila is now
among the top priorities of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority
in light of the country hosting the ASEAN Summit next year.
The MMDA has met with the President and other stakeholders to explore
solutions to improve traffic on EDSA.
Among the solutions discussed include the imposition of a congestion fee
during peak hours on EDSA as part of a broader strategy to manage the
worsening traffic in the National Capital Region.
But President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is opposing the congestion fee until
more efficient and accessible mass transportation options are made
available for commuters.
Senator Grace Poe weighed in on the issue, also advocating for enhanced
mass transportation systems to support the rising number of daily
commuters.
The MMDA has announced plans to commence the rehabilitation of EDSA
starting in March in preparation for the upcoming ASEAN Summit.
Among the proposed traffic solutions are the elimination of U-Turn slots on
C5 Kalayaan to facilitate the construction of an underpass, as well as
shutting down EDSA Bus Carousel.
But the MMDA has confirmed that EDSA Carousel operations would continue
until the MRT 3 increases its capability to handle more commuters.
The MMDA is also evaluating adjustments to working hours as a potential
strategy to reduce traffic congestion during peak periods.
The country's hosting of the ASEAN Summit has given a sense of urgency to
the search for and implementation of solutions to improve traffic flow and
mass transport in Metro Manila. It is hoped that this sense of urgency
would lead to improvements in the short and long term. It wouldn't do for
traffic to improve only ahead of and during the Summit, but then head back
to worsening after the event.