Jeepney drivers slam MMDA’s latest traffic scheme in QC
August 16, 2003 | 12:00am
The Quezon Avenue clearway is not so clear – at least for the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Associations of the Philippines (Fejodap).
"The MMDA is creating more traffic with its traffic schemes. Magulo," Fejodap president, Zeny Maranan told The STAR when sought for comment how the jeepneys fared yesterday, the first day of the implementation of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) newest traffic scheme.
Maranan noted the most affected were jeepneys with the Project 8 and Muñoz routes.
She said that instead of being able to run left immediately to Muñoz, drivers still have to make a U-turn.
The MMDA said the U-turn slot going to Muñoz is some 150 meters away from where the jeepneys used to turn left.
Maranan added that some drivers have been apprehended for going out of line but fortunately, were able to explain that it was because of the new traffic scheme.
Maranan also took a stab at MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando’s vice-presidential bid out of frustration over the clearway.
"Kung plano niyang tumakbo sa pagka-bise presidente, walang mangyayari sa kanya kasi ginagalit niya kami. Akala niya masaya rin ang mga private vehicles, marami rin ang nagrereklamo," Maranan said.
She criticized the MMDA for poor coordination with transport groups. She stressed the agency should conduct dialogues with them before implementing its traffic programs.
For his part, Fernando reminded Maranan that the MMDA had announced the clearway plan weeks ago in the tri-media.
He said it was expected that there would be confusion in the first week of a new traffic scheme. But he added experience had shown that things get better afterwards.
"It’s not too late for them to give their opinions and suggestions. Nothing is permanent. If this is not effective, then we can revert to the old scheme," Fernando said.
Fernando also shrugged off Maranan’s swipe at his political ambition.
"That’s her opinion. Some people can get angry at me but I’m not mad at them."
Meanwhile, MMDA Traffic Operations Center executive director Angelito Vergel de Dios said jeepney drivers must not load and unload right before the U-turn slots, then swerve to the left lane.
"It’s like the buses loading and unloading right before the overpass. They should unload or load some 100 meters before the U-turn slots," he said.
Vergel de Dios said the MMDA will soon put the appropriate signs for the jeepney drivers to follow.
"We can’t put the signs away because it would cause bigger problems such as gridlocks. We want to see first how it goes," he said.
Vergel de Dios also said that container trucks are only allowed to make a U-turn on Araneta Avenue. – Nikko Dizon
"The MMDA is creating more traffic with its traffic schemes. Magulo," Fejodap president, Zeny Maranan told The STAR when sought for comment how the jeepneys fared yesterday, the first day of the implementation of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) newest traffic scheme.
Maranan noted the most affected were jeepneys with the Project 8 and Muñoz routes.
She said that instead of being able to run left immediately to Muñoz, drivers still have to make a U-turn.
The MMDA said the U-turn slot going to Muñoz is some 150 meters away from where the jeepneys used to turn left.
Maranan added that some drivers have been apprehended for going out of line but fortunately, were able to explain that it was because of the new traffic scheme.
Maranan also took a stab at MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando’s vice-presidential bid out of frustration over the clearway.
"Kung plano niyang tumakbo sa pagka-bise presidente, walang mangyayari sa kanya kasi ginagalit niya kami. Akala niya masaya rin ang mga private vehicles, marami rin ang nagrereklamo," Maranan said.
She criticized the MMDA for poor coordination with transport groups. She stressed the agency should conduct dialogues with them before implementing its traffic programs.
For his part, Fernando reminded Maranan that the MMDA had announced the clearway plan weeks ago in the tri-media.
He said it was expected that there would be confusion in the first week of a new traffic scheme. But he added experience had shown that things get better afterwards.
"It’s not too late for them to give their opinions and suggestions. Nothing is permanent. If this is not effective, then we can revert to the old scheme," Fernando said.
Fernando also shrugged off Maranan’s swipe at his political ambition.
"That’s her opinion. Some people can get angry at me but I’m not mad at them."
Meanwhile, MMDA Traffic Operations Center executive director Angelito Vergel de Dios said jeepney drivers must not load and unload right before the U-turn slots, then swerve to the left lane.
"It’s like the buses loading and unloading right before the overpass. They should unload or load some 100 meters before the U-turn slots," he said.
Vergel de Dios said the MMDA will soon put the appropriate signs for the jeepney drivers to follow.
"We can’t put the signs away because it would cause bigger problems such as gridlocks. We want to see first how it goes," he said.
Vergel de Dios also said that container trucks are only allowed to make a U-turn on Araneta Avenue. – Nikko Dizon
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