The intent here is to create a single entity controlling all traffic management planning and enforcement, including operational control of local government traffic management personnel, even down to the barangay level. Second, the administration, through the MMDA and its partner agencies in the interagency group, is continuing its push for the grant of “emergency powers” from Congress to deal with the traffic crisis. That’s as big as the big picture gets, however; in terms of actual steps being taken, the MMDA had little to offer that we haven’t already heard. The current focus now is on improving traffic flow on Edsa (of course), and along the 17 alternative “mabuhay lane” routes across the city. Other efforts include sidewalk clearing of illegal vendors, increased attention to enforcement efforts against “colorum” (out-of-line) buses and other public transportation, aggressive efforts against illegal parking, and removing illegal bus terminals.

Source: Manila Times October 07, 2016 15:56 UTC