EDSA car volume drops amid oil price hikes

MANILA, Philippines — Car volume on EDSA decreased by 6.58 percent amid rising fuel prices, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority reported yesterday.

Based on MMDA figures, traffic volume along EDSA decreased to 210,202 cars from 225,002 between March 2 and April 6.

Motorcycles passing through EDSA increased by 4.27 percent from 194,974 to 203,301 while bicycles went up to 6.36 percent from 1,273 to 1,354. 

“Insofar as traffic management is concerned, it is a good development because it reduces traffic and the consumption of gasoline. Because a lot of vehicles are (off the streets), the number of motorcycles using EDSA is increasing,” MMDA Chairman Romando Artes told reporters.

“We know that the consumption of gasoline for motorcycle is cheaper than cars, especially SUVs or large vehicles,” he added.

Artes said more passengers are choosing to travel using public transportation amid oil price hikes.

“That is probably one of the major effects because we can see, especially during rush hour, that the lines for public transportation are getting longer,” he said.

The MMDA is coordinating with the Department of Transportation to augment the service contracting program, which offers discounted fares to passengers.

Artes reminded motorists to follow safety measures even if the road spaces are wider.