They’re open to suggestions – if these are sound and can actually work.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reminded that pitching ideas to solve the issue of traffic congestion along EDSA should be backed by research. Although the agency is always open to suggestions, MMDA spoksperson Celine Pialago said that proposals should be “backed up by research and data.”
Pialago said that the agency had been receiving proposals to solve traffic woes along EDSA since 2017. However, most of the suggestions were either “very vague” or “very common” such as implementing a coding scheme solely based on color or even car brand.
A mechanical engineer also earlier proposed to convert the whole of EDSA into a southbound thoroughfare, with C-5 as northbound.
These unsolicited proposals from various people are brought to the MMDA’s engineering consultants and discussed within the agency, and then with the Metro Manila Council.
Pialago said that the agency would “support in any way” they can once the proposals have been approved.
According to the MMDA, more than 22,000 vehicles have been added to the daily traffic volume along EDSA as of August 2019, with the volume expected to further hike with the approaching Christmas season. An average of 427,000 vehicles daily are expected to use EDSA beginning this month. – With Ghio Ong/STAR