Gov’t to improve bottlenecks to address traffic issue in NCR

The government is set to improve the 42 road bottlenecks in Metro Manila in its bid to address looming traffic situation in the country.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said that the targeted improvement is part of the 12 approved strategies under the Comprehensive Traffic Management Plan (CTMP).

The five-year action plan to ease congestion in the National Capital Region was discussed during the joint coordination committee meeting for the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-funded project.

The strategies that traffic management agencies need to start immediately is to further improve traffic corridors; enhance the intelligent transportation system (ITS); strengthen traffic regulations, enforcement, and road safety; promote active transportation; and develop a comprehensive traffic management database.

Representatives from the MMDA, 17 local government units (LGU) in Metro Manila, and national agencies responsible for managing traffic in the metropolis have committed to work together to implement the plan.

Further, the action plan also recommended formulating comprehensive traffic management plans by LGU, strengthening the transportation network in Metro Manila, as well as strengthening MMDA's planning capacities in traffic management and its coordination with and among related organizations. 

MMDA Acting General Manager Engr. Baltazar Melgar, stressed that “a concerted action is needed to address the traffic problem, which requires involvement, participation, and dedication.”

Meanwhile, JICA Philippines’ chief representative Takema Sakamoto expressed his commitment to support the Philippine government’s efforts in addressing traffic congestion by offering to share Japan’s experiences in traffic management, particularly in ITS, and in private-public partnerships.

"No one can resolve the chronic traffic jam in Metro Manila alone, but if we all work together, we are optimistic that there is hope for improving the traffic situation. If we strongly bond together, we can achieve continuous economic growth and attain the quality of life for every Filipino," he added.

Photos from Ruben D. Manahan IV

Also read:

MMDA to boost enforcers' visibility along NCR roads

MMDA to intensify efforts vs flooding in NCR

Excavation works in NCR to be postponed starting next week