Remember our previous story about the suggestion to ban private vehicles on EDSA during rush hours? New discussions revolving around that proposal have popped up yet again, this time courtesy of Representative Edgar Erice from the Second District of Caloocan City.
In a recent interview with DZMM, Erice brought up the idea of allowing only public utility vehicles (PUVs) to traverse EDSA during rush hours, specifically at 6-9am and 6-9pm. “Ang aking proposal, mula alas sais hanggang alas nuwebe ng umaga at mula alas sais ng gabi hanggang alas nuwebe ay ipagbawal na ang mga private vehicles sa EDSA. I-dedicate na lang natin yung five lanes ng EDSA for public buses, mga UVs, mga mass transport—yan na lang po ang pwede natin dapat padaanin diyan. From 6-9am, from 6-9pm,” said Erice.
He also said that the improved flow of traffic would not only benefit workers and commuters, but would also help bus drivers earn more as well. “Ang magiging epekto nito ngayon ay napakabilis ng pagpasok at paguwi ng ating mga manggagawa. Makakatipid pa sa gasolina, at lalaki pa ang kita ng ating mga bus drivers—baka maka-dalawang trip sila sa halip na isa lamang o baka hindi pa makaisa sa 6-9 na oras na yan,” he added.
Regarding the motorists who normally drive through EDSA, the congressman is suggesting for them to consider other alternatives such as leaving for the office earlier than 6am in the morning, or using side streets during rush hours: “Mababaligtad po niyan yung sitwasyon sa EDSA kung yan ang gagamitin nating option, lalo na kung yung MMDA ay gagawa pa ng ibang mga paraan—like, for example, yung point-to-point bus stations and alternate bus stops. Pag ganyan ang sitwasyon at puro bus lang at mga public utility vehicles, pwede nating i-increase yung speed limit sa EDSA.”
As for whether Grab and other ride-hailing services could ply EDSA during rush hours, Erice said that it requires further consideration: “Mas maganda talaga na ang dumadaan sa EDSA during the 6-9 period ay makakapagdala ng maraming pasahero. Yun ang purpose nito.”
What do you think of this proposal? Let us know in the comments.
