MMDA: 30,000 less vehicles in EDSA as many car owners choose to commute as fuel costs soar

Many car owners in Metro Manila have opted to commute amid the surging cost of petroleum products due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

According to Maki Pulido’s Wednesday report on “24 Oras,” the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said up to 30,000 vehicles have been reduced along EDSA since Monday.

Shiela Fernandez said she decided to take public transportation instead of driving since P1,000 worth of fuel now feels like just P500.

Meanwhile, Wendy Amatusa shared that her husband now takes her to an MRT-3 station to lessen their expenses.

However, commuting remains a challenge to both Fernandez and Amatusa since they have to wait for long queues and endure cramped conditions.

On Monday, MRT-3 said it had 13,000 additional passengers, but its operator said the line has enough trains to cater to the increasing number of commuters and has 19 trains available during peak hours.

According to a transport expert, despite having a limited number of trains, Metro Manila has enough public transportation if jeepney drivers continue to ply their routes.

But with climbing oil prices that force public utility vehicle drivers and operators to cease operations, the government might need to lease them or provide service contracts.

“Service contracting can be extended to jeepneys and tricycles as well. Maybe prioritize jeepneys and buses dahil sila malaki capacity. By running them and supporting them, we expect more people will take up commuting,” said Jose Regin Regidor, UP Institute of Civil Engineering director.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) already has plans to do so, and it is waiting for the budget for the service contracting to be released.

It assured the public that public transportation continues to operate.

The public may also use their bikes or walk to their destinations.

Just like during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Regidor said it’s time to bring back protected bike lanes and fix the sidewalks.

“There has to be a more organized effort to transform the streets para madaling maglakad kahit mainit, maglalakad tao kung safe daraanan nila. Same with cyclists (so that it's safe and convenient for pedestrians and cyclists even in the hot weather),” Regidro said. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News