How important is a good public transport system? Part of the definition
of a good public transport system is that it should be an all-weather
system. This means that even if there is inclement weather, the system
would still be functioning and able to ferry people between their homes,
workplaces, schools and other destinations. Of course, the exception
here would be the times when there are extreme weather conditions like
typhoons passing through cities. The rains today and past other days
reminds us how difficult it is to commute even when you have your own
vehicle. Those who opt to use their own cars now encounter severe
traffic congestion with increasing frequencies while those with only
public transport as their choice usually have difficulty getting a ride
home.
It is not just unfortunate but rather depressing that Metro Manila
and other major Philippine cities have no efficient public transport
systems. The current modes of transport are road-based and dominated by
paratransit including jeepneys, multicabs and tricycles. The state of
disrepair of the PNR and MRT3, the much-delayed extensions of LRT1 and
LRT2, and the much-delayed construction of MRT7 and BRT lines all
contribute to the hellish commutes people experience everyday. Combine
these with what experts regard as deficient station plaza designs that
have led to inefficient transfers between the trains and road-based
transport. It is no wonder that a person on bicycle can beat a commuter
on a trip between Trinoma in Quezon City and a university in Manila
considering the state of MRT3 and the poor transfer conditions between
MRT3 and LRT1. This won't likely be the case in Singapore or Tokyo where
the proper hierarchies of transport are well established and with the
necessary facilities to support their people-friendly systems.
What's
more depressing, frustrating and disappointing (if its possible to feel
all three simultaneously) is how transport officials, including and
especially the top official of the Department of Transportation and
Communications (DOTC), apparently see our transport woes as "not fatal".
Is it really "not fatal"? Increases in the incidence of respiratory
diseases due to the increased emissions are attributable to mobile
sources (vehicles) and the long hours of road traffic congestion. The
increase in the number of fatal road crashes as reported by the
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is also attributable to
a significant increase in traffic volumes. One comment on social media
was right on the dot on emergency cases ending up dying due to the
ambulances being unable to make it to the hospitals in time for their
passengers' treatments.
And so, there were renewed calls for
transport officials to get out of their chauffeured cars and take
regular public transport between their homes and offices. The dares
include riding the MRT3 during the peak periods and actually
experiencing the queues and the crowded platforms and trains. It is no
wonder that the image of the Dutch ambassador riding his bicycle to his
office has been a popular share in social media because a lot of people
feel that leaders should be examples themselves on how each one of us
can pitch in to solve transport and traffic problems. Attempts by some
government officials (including the top official of the transport
department) to ride the MRT3, for example, are met with much criticism
because they are given special treatment - they skip the lines and have
bodyguards escorting them and clearing the way and space for them to
ride comfortably. Clearly, this is not what the common commuter
experiences everyday when he or she would have to use something short of
MMA skills to get a ride.
Are we helpless against such
insensitivity of our officials, many of whom are politicians and
professionals associated with oligarchs? Not totally. And next year's
elections offer the commuting public a chance to express what they think
about transport in this country and in their cities and municipalities
by making transport and traffic urgent issues that need to be addressed
and prioritized. Will you vote for candidates who had a hand in the
continuing deterioration of transport in the Philippines and who
consistently dismiss transport and traffic issues as secondary and just a
by-product of non-inclusive economic growth? I surely won't and will be
very critical of candidates' platforms and proposed programs should
they win and become the leaders of this land. A big part of those
programs should be how to address transport and traffic issues
especially the deficiencies in infrastructure. Addressing these pressing
issues on transport and traffic will go a long way in improving the
quality of life of Filipinos and ensure a sustainable and inclusive
growth for the country.
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