PCCI and Notable Stakeholders Push for Measures to Address Road Congestion in Metro Manila

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) remains cognizant of the adverse effects of heavy traffic on the economy prompting it to urge the government and other relevant stakeholders to address road congestion, particularly in Metro Manila. Economic losses have been projected to amount to ₱3.5 billion daily due to congested roads, which could climb up to ₱5.4 billion by 2035 — based on estimates done by the Japan International Cooperation Agency — should the issue persist.

“There are a lot of concerns besetting our transportation and logistics industry. These issues need a comprehensive set of measures to curb further problems and avoid more losses to the economy,” explained PCCI President George Barcelon. “Transportation and logistics are essential to sustaining economic gains and building on the reform measures that are aimed at making the country attractive to investments and conducive to jobs-creating activities.”

Transportation and urban planning expert Rene Santiago furthered that public transportation should be improved to better serve commuters and significantly lessen vehicles on the road. Additionally, 246 kilometers of mass transit lines and 78 kilometers of urban expressways need to be established to address the prominent road congestion issue. This includes the Quezon Avenue bus rapid transit, the LRT-1 Extension to Bacoor, the LRT-2 East Extension, and the addition of trains to the MRT.

“Long-term (measures) would be to manage population size and distribution. The private sector can take the lead proactively through programs supporting balik-probinsya new growth centers and accelerating the shift to the Fourth Industrial Revolution work-style or hybrid work and hybrid school arrangements,” Santiago elaborated. “These would reduce vehicles (by) at least 250,000 cars, on the roads and one million riders of public transport. In addition, hybrid schooling would address shortage in classrooms.”

Other key personalities within the transportation and mobility sector also weighed in on the issue. Vincent Rondaris, president of the Nagkakaisang Samahan ng Nangangasiwa ng Panlalawigan ng Bus sa Pilipinas, Inc., expressed that government should deviate from policies centered on private vehicles. Rondaris also suggested the establishment of a Mega Manila Transport Authority which will create a unified traffic system, develop a database to decongest roads, and issue franchises for various modes of transportation.

“Existing policies only allow deliveries once every two days and if you can deliver only that little, that is basically doubling your cost,” added Pierre Carlo Curay, president of the Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines. Similar sentiments regarding the movement of cargo were echoed by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. executive vice president Christian Martin Gonzalez. “With all the consumption that is being driven out of Metro Manila, we must ensure that we plan the infrastructure as well as the services that surround it in such a way that it facilitates movement,” concluded Gonzalez.

Source: BusinessWorld