Senator Grace Poe is looking at having more elevated walkways to help ease the traffic problem in Metro Manila. Elevated walkways, similar to those in the picture improve people’s movement between buildings and structures without impeding traffic below. AP DE JESUS & ASSOCIATES–GREEN ARCHITECTURE
Senator Grace Poe is looking at elevated walkways as among many possible solutions to the traffic problem plaguing Metro Manila.
Poe brought up the idea as she disclosed plans to consult students, bikers, and other sectors when the Senate committee on public services deliberates on the proposed emergency powers for President Rodrigo Duterte.
The committee which she chairs is set to hold its first hearing on the issue on Wednesday.
READ: Senate to start hearings on emergency powers for Duterte
“Hindi lang naman train ang kailangang dagdagan. Kailangan din nating magdagdag ng mga elevated walkways. Importante yun para we can move from one bulding to another na hindi na kelangang sa kalsada pa tumatawid,” she said.
“Kakausapin natin sa hearing hindi lang ang (Department of Transportation) o MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority). Kakausapin din natin ang mga estudyante: Ano ba ang problema n’yo sa university belt at sa ibat-ibang lugar? Yung mga nagbibiseklita, kakausapin din natin para magbigay ng input,” Poe said in an interview over dzMM.
Poe said building owners could be requested to help construct walkways before they are given permits.
“Masyadong ambisyo ang planong ito pero para sa long term, dapat ay inaasikaso na ng gobyerno,” she said.
The senator noted that in 2013, former President Benigno Aquino III signed an administrative order for the establishment of various terminals in the country.
She said there were 45 bus terminals on Edsa and if these were relocated outside the metropolis, it would probably help decongest traffic along the thoroughfare.
Poe reiterated her promise to fast-track the hearings so the Senate would not be accused of delaying the proposal to give the President special powers.
“Gusto natin mabilis. Walang abuso at magkakaroon ng solution. Meron kayong hinihinging emergency powers, madaliin natin yan pero nasaan ang plano nyo? Ano ba talaga nag kailangan n’yong gawin?” she said.
“Alam natin ang problema. Meron na ba kayong solution para maging ligtas, abot-kaya mabilis at maginhawa ang paglalakabay ng ating mga kababayan? Gusto nating makita katulad sa ibang bansa. Ihambing natin kung paano natin gagawang ganun ang ating sistema ng transportation,” she added.
During the first hearing, Poe said she would ask Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade about the government’s short-term solution to the traffic problem to be done within the first 100 days of the Duterte administration./rga
READ: Palace vows improved Metro Manila traffic condition in 100 days