We're not sure if this was meant as a far-fetched ambition or a joke, but it seems that the good people at the MMDA has failed to grasp the obvious. As much as preventing cars from using EDSA will dramatically improve air quality of the immediate area, it does not help in anyway to reduce traffic. This will not stop people from driving out on Sundays. In fact, such a scheme could turn a ten minute drive into a two or three hour gridlock as motorists try to find an alternative route, thus burning more fuel and creating more pollution.
From the looks of it, Jimenez was “over inspired” by the “car-free day” event that was recently held in Makati to promote a clean environment. This event promotes cleaner alternative means of transportation including walking, cycling, and alternative powered vehicles.
Clearly, closing down of roads, especially major ones is not the solution. Maybe we should think of better plans and actually put them into practice. These could include widening of roads and cutting down the number of buses on EDSA.
We're beginning wonder if the people in the MMDA who thinks of these “plans” and traffic schemes actually drive personally on a daily basis. It might sound absurd, but if you think of it, the higher-ups typically have drivers or even escorts to clear the way for them. They end up being insulated from the realities of driving on the roads of Metro Manila.
Perhaps they should experience first-hand the gripes of the regular motorist or pedestrian in their daily commute. Then, maybe we might actually get more realistic solutions for the metro's traffic problems.
Source: GMA News Online
