FROM the second place in 2019, Metro Manila in 2023 has clinched the top spot of having the worst traffic conditions among 387 metro areas in the world in 2023.
Based on the study of the TomTom Traffic Index, each motorist spends 25 minutes and 30 seconds of travel time every 10 kilometers in Metro Manila.
However, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) disagrees with the said data.
MMDA acting chairman Romando Artes said they want clarification on the data presented by TomTom.
“I can’t say that I agree that we are the worst in the world because I don’t know the situation in other countries,” according to Atty. Romando Artes, Acting Chairman, MMDA.
“We don’t know what methodology TomTom employed to say that Metro Manila is number 1,” he said.
But despite this, he said the bad traffic situation in Metro Manila cannot be denied.
Artes said one of the main reasons for this is the increase in vehicle volume.
Based on MMDA data in 2021, there are 3.2-M vehicles that travel in Metro Manila every day.
The number increased from 3.5-M in 2022 to 3.6-M in 2023.
“In 2023, 3.6 million vehicles will circulate throughout Metro Manila on a 24-hour basis and our road network in Metro Manila is only 5,000 kilometers. So you can just imagine that we are satisfying the 3.6 million vehicles on 5,000 kilometers of road,” he stated.
Apart from the vehicle volume increase, some of the reasons for heavy traffic in Metro Manila, according to Artes, are blocked roads due to illegal parking, vehicles picking up students, road repairs, accidents, and ongoing infrastructure projects.
The official reassured that the government continues to look for solutions to the said problem.
“We need the cooperation of different agencies and study this. We have laid out or proposed many improvements, especially in infrastructure,” he said.
DOTr fast tracks road and infra project to solve the traffic problems
Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said that the government’s ongoing road transport infrastructure projects are directed at improving the commuter experience while addressing worsening traffic in highly urbanized areas.
In a statement, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista emphasized that the top ranking of Metro Manila in world traffic poses a challenge not just for DOTr but other agencies as well to be creative at finding lasting solutions to metro traffic.
“The top ranking of Metro Manila in world traffic poses a challenge not just for DOTr but other agencies as well to be creative at finding lasting solutions to metro traffic,” statement of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista.
He added that they will fast-track road projects while collaborating with appropriate agencies with the help of the private sector.
“We will fast-track road projects while collaborating with appropriate agencies with the help of the private sector,” he added.
