MMDA's Blue Valentine

MMDA enforcers join motorcycle riders during a test run of the blue lane for motorcycles on EDSA. (BOY SANTOS - philstar.com)

The Metro Manila Development Authority introduced a blue-painted motorcycle lane along EDSA, intended to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce accidents. There isn’t much affection for this new regulation, based on the reactions of the road weary residents of Metro Manila. The source of the problem has to be addressed, not the symptoms. Call it overpopulation or an over-concentration of population, there are simply too many vehicles and people going around and not enough thoroughfares in Metro Manila. Traffic congestion in Metro Manila requires a radical, encompassing response, not another band-aid or patchwork operation. The Philippines needs to relocate the seat of government and build a new capital and business center.

On Valentine’s Day the Metro Manila Development Authority introduced a blue-painted motorcycle lane along EDSA, intended to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce accidents. More than a thousand motorcyclists were flagged down for ignoring the new ordinance and given a 15 minute seminar on road safety, then let go with heart-shaped stickers emblazoned with the MMDA logo and the words “Certified Motorcycle Rider” and “Disiplinado Ako” posted on their vehicles. Similar motorcycle segregation lanes have been marked along Commonwealth Avenue and Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard, and while private cars can still use this special lane, buses and other public utility vehicles are not allowed.

There isn’t much affection for this new regulation, based on the reactions of the road weary residents of Metro Manila. Many believe that such measures are not necessary if drivers and riders exercise discipline and courtesy. Some say that it’s all just a device to create extra revenue for the government agency via new fines and another opportunity for unscrupulous traffic cops to collect bribes. Some people also think that corrupt officials and their conspiring contractors are just making money out of the installation of infrastructure required for the scheme.

With all the yellow lanes for PUVs, the islands and fences for loading and unloading zones, egregious u-turn lanes and barriers, the verbose signs, distracting lights, non-standard markers, and now these blue lanes for two-wheeled vehicles, Metro Manila’s roadways are turning into a multi-colored labyrinth for motorists and commuters. If the goal is to decongest EDSA, why does the government keep building and adding new structures on it? If the objective is to ease traffic flow, why implement such confusing situational rules and regulations? The source of the problem has to be addressed, not the symptoms. Call it overpopulation or an over-concentration of population, there are simply too many vehicles and people going around and not enough thoroughfares in Metro Manila.

Too many people are living and working in the same area, fighting for the same length of highway. Traffic congestion in Metro Manila requires a radical, encompassing response. The Philippines needs to relocate the seat of government and build a new city and business center; a precisely planned and carefully constructed metropolis where a large chunk of Metro Manila’s population can migrate to and restart their lives. A new capital would not only alleviate the traffic problem but will also deal with other important issues like the proliferation of informal settlers, the rising crime and corruption, and the ever increasing garbage and pollution.

Yes, it’s a fantastic and idealistic proposal, but not an impossible dream. Great things have been achieved through decisiveness, courage, perseverance, and unity. Metro Manila does not need another band-aid or patchwork operation like these motorcycle segregation lanes. Building a new capital will be the true demonstration that Filipinos love their country.