The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Special Operations Group Strike Force Chief Gabriel Go warns the public about the gradual increase in vehicle volume as the Christmas season approaches.
In an exclusive interview with DZRH's Damdaming Bayan on Monday, Go confirmed that last week, traffic congestion was already observed along major routes in Metro Manila.
He added that there are two factors contributing to the heavier traffic flow as the most celebrated season drew closer. One of the factors mentioned is the return of Filipinos working abroad.
"Tulad po last week, noong magkaroon tayo ng clearing operation sa lugar po ng mga airport natin, nakikita na po natin ang pagbigat ng daloy ng pagpasok at paglabas ng sasakyan sa ating mga airport," said Go.
Furthermore, another reason is the influx of people from the provinces coming to Metro Manila to purchase goods and commodities, which they then bring back to sell in their hometowns.
In order to address this issue, one of the steps being taken by the MMDA is deploying additional personnel to manage the streets, not just during regular working hours, but extended until 12 midnight.
"The reason for this [is] extended din po ang ating mga mall hours. That’s why one of our responsibilities is magbigay po ng traffic assistance, management, and also kung kinakailangan kung mayroon pa ring makukulit sa kalsada, mayroon po pa ring manghuhuli para naman po hindi lamang po disiplina but also to minimize or mabawasan po ang choke points or traffic congestion po natin," he added.
In addition to managing traffic, the agency also conducts clearing operations to provide smoother traffic flow on the alternative routes and service lanes, which motorists can use to avoid heavy traffic along EDSA.
"Ang mabuhay lanes naman po natin all throughout the years andiyan po ‘yan. We have a total of 17 routes na binibigay," Go said.
There are alternative routes available for public transportation, such as alternate routes for jeeps and other PUVs. These routes are accessible to many, and motorists are well-informed through the traffic signages that the agency has installed along the service lanes and alternate routes.
As of now, the most updated count shows that 447,000 vehicles are traversing along EDSA alone, and they are expecting an increase of around 10-15% increase in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the MMDA reminded the public about the safety of every motorist, especially those coming from Christmas parties.
The agency advised that if one feels unfit to drive, it is best not to force it, as this could lead to an accident and could also endanger other people on the road.
