MMDA sees drop in vehicle volume on major NCR roads amid fuel price hikes

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has observed a slight reduction in the number of vehicles on major roads, as motorists adjust to the continued increase in fuel prices.

At the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel forum on Wednesday, MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III said the observation is based on initial, anecdotal monitoring, but noted that traffic conditions appear to have eased in some areas.

“May reduction of volume tayong nakikita [We are seeing a reduction in volume],” Torre said when asked if there has been a noticeable decrease in vehicles on the road.

He added that while roads seem less congested during the day, a different pattern emerges ahead of scheduled fuel price hikes.

“Kung ang pag-uusapan natin yung anecdotal na observation, well, nakita niyo rin siguro naramdaman natin na medyo lumuwag ang mga kalsada sapagkat may reduction of volume tayong nakikita. Kaya nga lang napansin namin sa gabi, na may announced na price increase the next day, talaga naman yung paligid ng mga major gasoline stations nagkakaroon ng traffic kaya mga kami nag buo ng traffic assistance dahil nakapila ang ating mga kababayan,” Torre explained.

(If we're talking about anecdotal observations, we are seeing a reduction of volume. But we also noticed that in the evenings, whenever there is an announced price increase for the next day, traffic builds up in the areas around major gas stations,, so we offer our assistance where motorists are lined up.)

The MMDA is currently reviewing official data to determine whether there have been measurable changes in traffic volume, vehicle speed, and driving behavior as motorists try to conserve fuel.

Based on field monitoring, traffic remained moderate in parts of Manila and Quezon City at midday, with congestion not as heavy as usual in some areas.

Fuel prices have recently surged to record highs, driven by ongoing tensions in the Middle East, including the escalating conflict involving Israel, Iran, and the United States, as well as concerns over potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route.

Meanwhile, studies suggest that motorists can reduce fuel consumption through more efficient driving habits. A report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicates that smoother acceleration, maintaining steady speeds, and reducing unnecessary trips can significantly improve fuel efficiency and help offset rising fuel costs. — BM, GMA Integrated News