‘Systematic lines’ in Quezon City terminals, loading zones eyed

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has expressed support for a proposed policy that will institutionalize the “systematic” lining up of passengers at legitimate terminals and loading zones in the city.

Belmonte, in a statement this week, said she supports the plan of Quezon City traffic czar Ariel Inton to implement the “systematic lines” policy as part of efforts to reduce heavy traffic.

“We fully support the plan of the task force that aims to instill discipline in our commuters,” the mayor said in Filipino, noting that this may contribute in addressing the traffic problem in Metro Manila.

Inton, a former Quezon City councilor and board member of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, was appointed by Belmonte to head the newly created Task Force for Transport and Traffic Management.

He was charged to head the city’s clearing operations, dubbed as Bayanihan sa Lansangan, which is in line with President Duterte’s directive to clear roads and sidewalks in Metro Manila.

Aside from drivers, Inton said it is also necessary to instill discipline among passengers to complement other efforts by the local government. 

He said the lack of a systematic process like lining up would lengthen the time needed for commuters to ride a public utility vehicle.

“We want Quezon City to be a commuter and passenger-friendly city. The earlier you fall in line, the earlier that you will be able to ride,” he said, adding that there will be priority lanes for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

Inton said he will push for the passage of an ordinance penalizing passengers caught not lining up at loading zones and terminals with immediate community service.

He said implementing such a policy is not impossible, noting a system already in place in some areas in the city.

 “If we cannot instill discipline among passengers, we cannot instill discipline to everyone,” Inton said.

The city’s traffic czar said he will meet with transport operators to encourage them to follow the system.

Aside from the policy, Inton said the task force is also focused on removing illegal tricycle and jeepney terminals occupying busy roads and sidewalks.

“We will meet barangay officials and transport officials to figure out the transfer of their terminals from those busy streets to a more appropriate space,” he said.

Belmonte earlier directed the task force to focus on the regulation of tricycles and pedicabs; the orderliness and safety of all forms of public utility vehicle terminals, including the identified loading and unloading points; and the management of vehicular traffic.

The task force will remain in place until a new body, the Quezon City Department of Traffic and Transport Management, is formally created by the city council and becomes fully operational. ­