Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Stricter enforcement of traffic rules.
This isn’t a new solution for easing congestion along EDSA, but authorities believe it will make a difference.
First on the list is getting private vehicles off the yellow lanes reserved for buses.
Also read: LTFRB eyes nonstop double-decker bus service to declog EDSA
It’s common to see private vehicles using bus lanes on EDSA. There are risks in weaving through buses but car drivers said they’re willing to take it because travel time is much faster here.
Traffic officials said that beginning January 18, they would strictly enforce yellow lanes on EDSA’s southbound lane from Shaw Boulevard to Guadalupe.
“There is nothing new in the policy, only in the implementation,” Highway Patrol Group director Chief Supt. Arnold Gunnacao said in Filipino.
There’s a one-week trial period beginning January 18 to see if this measure works. During this time, traffic officers won’t be issuing tickets to violators yet.
But after a week, drivers of private vehicles who enter the yellow lanes will be fined P500.
Carpooling
Car drivers have mixed reactions to the proposal.
Paulino Pablo, a driver who uses the yellow lane, said that using the private lane alone can cause road congestion.
“Pero sa tingin ko masikip pa rin kung gagamitin lang yung private eh, kulang na kulang talaga yung lanes sa vehicles.”
[Translation: “I think it’s still congested if only the private lane is used. There’s really a lack in vehicle lanes.”]
Others, however, are willing to give the new traffic solution a try.
Traffic officials have another idea meant to reduce vehicle volume on EDSA. They want to promote carpooling.
And to motivate motorists to do that, there will be fast lanes reserved for private vehicles with three or more passengers.
“May suggestion na bago ka pumasok, magbubukas ng bintana,” Gunnacao said.
[Translation: “There’s a suggestion that before they enter the fast lane, windows will be opened first to check how many are inside.”]
Officials, however, said that this measure needs further study, as one downside to it is that traffic might slow down.
This is because drivers would need to stop, roll down their windows, and show their passengers before they enter the fast lanes.
