Fixing traffic

The government has said it is bent on solving two problems plaguing the metropolis: flooding and traffic. Both are Herculean tasks; some may look at all the attempts to solve these problems that have been undertaken in the past and conclude that these are missions impossible.

On flooding, government intends to relocate illegal settlers living in, atop, along or around esteros and waterways, their makeshift (in some cases not so makeshift) structures – coupled with all the garbage that is thrown into these waterways – blocking the flow when the rains pour, thus causing flooding. Local governments are being held accountable – a favorite official phrase – if such settlers come back after being relocated. Let’s see how accountable these officials will be.

On the other hand, the plan for fixing traffic in Metro Manila is not at all clear. These days the problem is compounded by the many roadworks being carried out by the Department of Public Works and Highways. I guess these are necessary inconveniences, but that’s no consolation if you’re stuck in traffic for hours.

At a press briefing last week an official said something about enforcing traffic rules strictly, which must be someone’s idea of a joke, as if a pronouncement from the powers-that-be, even from beside the Pasig River, would make those guys in the colorful shirts (color coded according to city/municipality) hanging around intersections or hiding behind post or tree only to spring out and flag you down for “swerving” honestly and truly, diligently and efficiently, enforce traffic rules. At the intersection of Taft Avenue and Ayala Blvd./Finance Road where “No left turn” signs are, for a change, clearly posted, vehicles make lefts turns anyway in all directions, and those traffic guys stand by and let them (sometimes even help them), their attention apparently focused on flagging down vehicles that try to beat the yellow light.

Jeepneys are, in large part, the bane of metro traffic. Not only do they stop anywhere, anytime to pick up or let off passengers (sometimes they stop in the middle of the road to make conversation or to make change with a fellow driver), they have appropriated the road as their terminal. Along R. Magsaysay Blvd., jeepneys park and wait for passengers in front of SM City Sta. Mesa, taking up two lanes. But sometimes they park up to four abreast, leaving but one narrow lane for the rest of the vehicles. Imagine the pile up when you have a gas tanker or big truck trying to squeeze its way through.  

There was a proposal for a total daytime truck ban, which not surprisingly met with immediate protest from truckers and business people, who need to move goods to keep manufacturing schedules and meet delivery and shipping deadlines. When I am caught in the middle of all these humongous container vans and trucks I just tell myself it means business is good and the economy is doing well, and I wonder how anyone is going to solve the traffic problem in Manila.

Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my  heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart towards your statutes and not towards selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. Psalm 119:33-38