It has to start somewhere

A bus lane has been in place along the length of EDSA for quite some time. The MMDA seems to think it helped public buses speed up travel time along EDSA. To my knowledge, all private vehicles, including motorcycles, are prohibited from using the bus lane. Only official government vehicles and emergency vehicles can also use the lane. Private vehicles in an emergency situation such as having to bring someone to the hospital may use the bus lane.

The problem is some private vehicles, whether cars or motorcycles, use the bus lane when they see an opportunity, meaning when they can get away with it. This usually takes place under the Shaw underpass. I don't think it is fair when so many follow the rules regarding the bus lane and then you can see motorbikes and even private vehicles use the lane just to avoid queuing in traffic. They are emboldened by the fact that there are no traffic enforcers to apprehend them while some just feel entitled to use the lane.

This problem is not only in EDSA. Many roads in Metro Manila do not have traffic enforcers to watch over the roads leading to so many violators. Those who counterflow even if a double yellow line is present, those who violate one-way streets, and disobey the yellow box at intersections. This is why road rage occurs that lead to physical altercations or even worse.

I understand the MMDA, as well as the PNP, are understaffed to monitor most of the roads in Metro Manila. My pet peeve is some traffic enforcers have their favorite locations to enforce rules. Places where the picking is good if you know what I mean. They don’t really enforce it but have made it an income-generating situation. A day’s “work” nets more than their regular pay. Perhaps the MMDA should revisit the No Contact Apprehension Program (NCAP) and fine-tune and implement it. Cameras with different points of view could be set up at known problem areas, particularly at intersections where violators abound. The purpose of the different angles or points of view is to assure a violation has been made. If a violation is clear enough, then no more appeals should be entertained and a fine imposed. I believe this is what is implemented in developed countries.

We are still a long way from attaining road discipline. But it should start somewhere. Traffic laws must be followed by everyone. They must be enforced, not as a means of income but to call out violators and impose sanctions and fines. Especially now when there are so vehicles on the road. Accidents and fights are not far from happening.