DOT open to use of double-decker bus

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation (DOT) is open to using double-decker buses as a possible solution to Metro Manila’s traffic woes, an official said yesterday.

 “We are open to all legitimate proposals and we will consider it,” DOT spokesperson Cherie Mercado said in a telephone interview when asked to comment on the recommendation of Richard Graham, United Kingdom’s trade envoy.

She said the recommendation was mentioned by Graham during a meeting with DOT Secretary Arthur Tugade yesterday. London is known for its iconic double-decker buses.

Apart from road congestion, Mercado said the  country’s priority projects on transportation, such as public private partnership deals, were also discussed during the meeting.

Earlier, Tugade said the government is studying slapping higher registration fees and taxes for people who purchase second cars.

He said the DOT is also considering making parking space a requirement before an individual is allowed to purchase a car.

To address the country’s land and air traffic problem, Tugade has asked for emergency powers from Congress in order to implement a unified traffic scheme, open private subdivisions to traffic and allow the takeover of certain properties.