Truck ban: Not an option
Finally, the extended truck ban in the City of Manila was lifted the other day. Surprisingly, it took Mayor Erap Estrada seven months to realize that the scheme is not working. Yes, to some extent, it has eased vehicular traffic jams a bit. However, it has resulted to a host of many other problems and inconveniences. Worst, mostly, have economic and financial implications.
For one, the port area is congested with unwithdrawn containers. Moreover, with their containers stuck at the port area, the manufacturing activities of importers and exporters alike have slowed down. Nastily, these importers/exporters, as well as the banks that are operating in the port area have to shell out more money for overtime pays and night premiums as some warehouse personnel/bank tellers had to work beyond regular hours.
Well thought off or not, such measure pleased some but has been financially cumbersome to manufacturers (importers and exporters) as well as retailers all over the country as most cargoes go through the Manila ports. The fact is, the day before it was lifted, the port is brimming with heaps of containers.
Mayor Estrada claimed that somehow the extended truck ban benefited workers, students, commuters, etc. Yes, we agree wholeheartedly. But taking a look at the bigger picture, we see dire consequences in the long run. So that, we might see orderly traffic because fewer commuters are going to work. Why? Because some workers were terminated as manufacturers cut production due to unavailability of raw materials. Worst, as the workers lose their jobs, their children had to quit school and help ease traffic. Yes, it might help ease traffic a bit, but is it sound?
Soon, if left uncheck, Metro Cebu will simply follow. Thus, an extended truck ban, like that of Metro Manila (stretching to as far as the entire daytime) isn’t a remote possibility. As a result, the movement of goods (both raw materials and finished goods) shall be curtailed. Thus, production activities shall be disrupted and deliveries of finished products shall come to a screeching halt at some point in time. Manufacturing firms that operate 24/7 are to suffer the most. Obviously, therefore, the country’s already known low productivity shall go further down. So that, as productivity slows down, the economy shall simply go in the same direction.
Having these imminent scenarios, we heard several proposals from stakeholders. Some sectors even suggested to instead ban private cars, not cargo trucks, on the streets at peak hours. Others are begging for a mass transport system. Yes, as we speak, Cebu City is in deep preparation for the Bus Rapid Transit. Yet, controversies still hound them. While its advocates underline its cost and ease of implementation, jeepney operators and some of their supporters claimed that jeepneys, aside from being inexpensive, are still the best option. This is so, they stressed, because they pick you up wherever you may be, thus, is so convenient. Distorted logic, it may be, politicians do listen. They are voters after all. Clearly, however, with the comfort fully air-conditioned stations and buses the BRT supposedly provides, car owners may just leave their units in their garages than use them. Thus, decongesting our streets. However, it only covers Cebu City. With the cities of Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue very much in the loop, it may not contribute much at all in solving our traffic woes.
Still, some are proposing for the transfer of our international port outside of the major cities of Cebu. Though costly, this is the most tenable and has long term benefits. First, it decongests the cities. Secondly, it might look logical for manufacturers to transfer their factories where the port is. Therefore, aside from easing traffic, it will also help propel growth and employment in the areas outside of the metropolis.
Furthermore, separated bicycle lanes should be considered as well. Truth to tell, other countries that have implemented it have already reaped their desired benefits. For one, in Vancouver, Canada, “from 2008 to 2011 alone, trips by bike increased by a full 40percent”. They’ve practically made cycling (bicycle) “a much safer and more attractive option”. Their separated bicycle lanes are “dedicated bike lanes with concrete medians and planters, bicycle parking corrals, or vehicle parking lanes that divide them from vehicle traffic”.
Moreover, there is a need too to widen our streets’ sidewalks. With trees providing the shade, commuters might find some great feeling of comfort and the benefit of walking for health reasons. Knowing fully well that bike riders won’t be using the sidewalks, pedestrians will find these walkways very safe as well. So that those who are just a kilometer away from their desired destinations may just have to take a stroll than take public utility jeepneys or buses.
Admittedly, these metropolises’ traffic congestions are long and flatly permanent and shall need permanent antidotes. The antidotes are plenty and truck ban isn’t of them. These are readily available. We just have to, one by one, grab it.
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