MMDA. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Friday said that it has already observed an increase in traffic volume ahead of “Undas” and the Christmas season.
“Sa ngayon pa lamang po um-increase na ang volume ng vehicle lalong lalo na noong nagsimula ‘yung face to face classes,” said MMDA chairman Don Artes in a press conference.
(Right now, the volume of the vehicle has already increased, especially when the face-to-face classes started.)
According to Artes, a 14 percent increase has already been reported along Ortigas Avenue, 6.7 percent in Edsa, and 15 percent in Aurora Boulevard.
“‘Yan po ‘yung ilan lamang sa piling kalsada kung saan considerably nag-increase ‘yung volume ng traffic,” said Artes.
(Those are just some selected roads where the traffic volume has increased considerably.)
Public encouraged to use public transit
Due to this, Artes encouraged the public to use alternative public modes of transportation.
“Lahat po ng alternatibong modes of transport ay dapat po nating gamitin para po ‘wag na tayo magdala ng sasakyan at makabawas din tayo sa volume ng traffic,” said Artes.
(We should use all the alternative modes of transport so that we don’t have to bring a car and we can also reduce the volume of traffic.)
He suggested using public transportation such as the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) systems, the Edsa Bus Carousel, and even the Pasig Ferry.
Artes said the management of the MRT and LRT have already committed that they are ready for the influx of passengers amid the upcoming holiday season.
“‘Yung atin din pong bus carousel very efficient, so kung pwede po iwan ang sasakyan somewhere at gamitin na lang ang public transportation, mas mabuti,” said Artes.
(Our bus carousel is also very efficient, so leaving the car somewhere and using public transportation is even better.)
“Ganoon din po ine-encourage namin na ‘yun pong ating Pasig ferry – libre, convenient, walang traffic,” he added.
(We encourage the same with our Pasig ferry – free, convenient, no traffic.)