Congestion fee for EDSA eyed

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Wednesday that the possibility of motorists paying a fee to use EDSA is being considered to address traffic congestion in the major thoroughfare. 

According to Ivan Mayrina’s report on "24 Oras," the congestion fee will be similar to the toll fee in EDSA during rush hour. 

But the MMDA said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said it’s not yet the right time to impose such a fee. 

“Pwede lamang ‘yan kung may alternatibo na, kung efficient na ang mass transport natin,” said MMDA chairperson Romando Artes. 

(That would happen if there are already alternatives and if there is already efficient mass transportation.) 

Senator Grace Poe told concerned agencies to fix the traffic first in EDSA before imposing fees.

Poe, former chairperson of the Senate Public Services Committee, also pointed out that mass transportation should offer a seamless and comfortable ride to commuters to encourage vehicle owners to leave their cars at home.

The MMDA, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and Department of Transportation earlier met with President Marcos to discuss plans to address the traffic woes in Metro Manila in light of the country’s hosting of the ASEAN Summit next year. 

The MMDA said that the rehabilitation of EDSA is expected to begin by March of this year. 

“Ginagawa na po yung timetable at yung preliminary traffic management plan para po sa rehab ng EDSA,” said Artes. “Target pa rin ay makapagsimula ng March para matapos in time for ASEAN. Southbound lang muna po ang gagawin.” 

(The timetable and preliminary traffic management plan for the rehabilitation of EDSA is already in the works. We are targeting to start in March so we can be done in time for the ASEAN. We will start working on the southbound portion.) 

One of the possible solutions that was also discussed was the removal of the U-Turn slot in C5 Kalayaan, which will be replaced with an underpass as part of the comprehensive traffic management plan funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency. 

But the most controversial suggestion discussed in the meeting was the shutdown of the EDSA Bus Carousel to free up more space in EDSA. 

Many commuters expressed their concern over the idea as the 24/7 bus lane caters to thousands of passengers a day. 

“Sa sitwasyon ko hindi eh, kasi malaking bagay sa akin ang EDSA Bus Carousel eh,” said commuter Robert Cachero. 

(In my situation, it’s not helpful. Because I take the EDSA Carousel.) 

“Kapag nangyari na po, mag-MRT na lang din po ako,” said commuter Edward Vargas. 

(If that happens, I have to take the MRT instead.) 

But the MMDA clarified that removing the bus way is still a suggestion, noting that it will not happen unless the MRT's carrying capacity is improved.

It added that the previous space held by the busway will be used as an exclusive lane for vehicles with three or more passengers. 

“Ang primary factor diyan nga ay, uulitin ko po, kung kaya na ng MRT na i-accommodate ang lahat ng passengers including yung sumasakay ng bus carousel. Until mangyari ‘yan, hindi po aalisin ang bus carousel,” said Artes.

(I would like to reiterate that the primary factor for that is if the MRT can already accommodate all the passengers, including those taking the bus carousel. Until it happens, we will not remove the bus carousel.) 

The MMDA also said that it is already consulting with local government units regarding the proposal to adjust the working hours of national government agencies in Metro Manila to ease traffic. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/LDF, GMA Integrated News