ODD-EVEN SCHEME EYED
The government is mulling the the implementation of the oddeven vehicle reduction program to ease the traffic congestion in Metro Manila, President Aquino announced yesterday.
During a visit at Rizal Technological University in Mandaluyong City, the President revealed that banning cars with odd and even license plates on alternate days may be the “most radical” measure to reduce by half the number of cars on the road.
The odd-even car number scheme is among the proposals that will be presented to the President by concerned government agencies soon to address the heavy traffic situation in the capital.
“Ang akin po: Ang pinaka radikal dito ay hatiin ang bilang ng bumibiyaheng sasakyan – salitan ang pagbabaybay ng odd at even na plaka sa ating mga kalsada kada linggo,” the President said in his speech.
“Pihadong luluwang ang trapik dahil kalahati ng sasakyan ang mawawala, pero sigurado pong marami na namang aalma dahil hindi magagamit ang kotse nila,” said Aquino after listening to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) briefing on Metro Manila’s anti-flood projects.
At present, the government implements a number coding scheme that prevents car owners to drive their cars in some parts of Metro Manila depending on their number plate.
Back in 2010, the odd-even scheme for private vehicles in EDSA was shelved by the Metro Metro Manila Development Authority due to lack of support from concerned local government units.
In his speech, the President admitted the huge number of vehicles on the road contributes to the congestion of Metro Manila roads.
Based on the data provided by the Department of Trade and Industry, Aquino said more than 22,400 vehicles are bought by consumers every month.
Almost 100,000 motorcycles were also purchased every month last year, Aquino said. In total, there were 1.2 million motorbikes on the road in 2014.
“Ang resulta po: Siyempre, lalong siksikan sa kalsada. At natural, dahil sa trapiko, ang sasakyan at motorsiklo na pinagipunan mo nang husto, mas mabilis malalaspag dahil nakababad lang sa karbon,” Aquino said.
Aquino conceded that the “ideal situation” is to build more roads and bridges but such construction may take years to complete. There will also be laborious discussion especially on the issue of right-of-way, he added.
He reiterated that the repair of the Guadalupe bridge has been derailed due to complaints from some groups on the inconvenience it will bring to their communities. The government originally planned to build an alternative bridge crossing Pasig River from Global City to Shaw while the bridge repair will be conducted, Aquino said.
Towards the end, the President asked for public patience and cooperation amid the implementation of government programs aimed not only to alleviate traffic but also floods in the capital.
“Makiisa at dagdagan ang pagunawa at pasensya. Sa inyo namang pakikiambag masisiguro nating sabay sabay tayong uunlad,” he said.