Solon says Pokemon GO, not provincial buses, slowing Metro traffic

A lawmaker from Bicol on Tuesday voiced opposition to the banning of provincial buses and the eventual shutdown of its terminals along EDSA, saying the popular game Pokemon GO carries a “bigger threat” to Metro Manila traffic.

In a press statement, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda questioned the “kneejerk” reaction to the issue of metro traffic, which he said had no “fundamental basis” and is “anti-poor.”

“Where is the empirical evidence - time-and-motion study of current situation and simulation projections - to underpin as fundamental basis to this policy, which is always the kneejerk first move whenever the issue of Metro Manila traffic [is raised]?” Salceda said.

“Pokemon-playing in private cars pose more threat of aggravation to Metro Manila than provincial buses,” he argued.

He noted that some Pokemon Go players stop at certain points or “lures” where rare characters of the game are caught.

“If you are rich enough to maintain a private car, you must be rich enough to yourself and your kids an Android, iPad or iPhone. Multiply that by the 2.5 million cars in Metro Manila,” Salceda argued.

The lawmaker said that compared to the number of private vehicles in Metro Manila, there are only 3,300 provincial buses, with each carrying 50.

“It is anti-poor since provincial bus passengers are those who can only pay 450 (ordinary) and 750 (aircon) and cannot afford the more expensive plane fares,” Salceda said.

“The measure is injurious to poor rural people in terms of: (1) additional inconvenience; (2) additional ‘minimum’ fare; (3) additional time of destination; and (4) double loading,” Salceda added.

Last week, the Metro Manila Council approved a resolution banning provincial buses from EDSA to improve the traffic situation along the major thoroughfare.

MMDA Chairman Emerson Carlos said it was not up to the mayors to prepare for the eventual shutdown of provincial bus terminals in Pasay and Quezon City. —Kathrina Charmaine Alvarez/KBK, GMA News