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Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Metro Manila commuters demand transport solutions

Metro Manila, one of the busiest and most congested urban centers in the world, continues to challenge commuters with its chaotic streets, relentless traffic jams, and noisy thoroughfares. ‘

Amid this daily grind, its residents endure long hours in transit, navigating the city’s flawed transport systems with resilience and grit.

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For 68-year-old retiree Mang Leo, who spent most of his life commuting, an improved public transport system could significantly ease the struggles of daily travel.

“Mas okay talaga if ‘yung mga jeep, modified, restored, and improved lang. Kasi kung papalitan nila, hindi naman agad-agad iyon. Mas mahirap sa amin [commuters],” he shared.

Despite dreams of expansive highways and smooth routes, the reality paints a different picture. Metro Manila’s rush hours—Monday mornings from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and Friday evenings from 5 p.m. until midnight—subject commuters to grueling travel times.

“Kung good as new naman at operational condition pa rin ‘yung mga sasakyan [PUV], wala naman sigurong problema,” Mang Leo added.

A 2024 New York Times report estimates that at least 2.2 million vehicles traverse Metro Manila daily, resulting in lost productivity and traffic-related costs of $20 billion annually. Commuters leave hours early to ensure punctuality and return home late, drained from hours spent in long queues and gridlocked traffic.

Recognizing these challenges, Republic Act No. 11165, or the Telecommuting Act, was signed into law in 2019. The legislation allows employees to work remotely using telecommunications technologies, a solution aimed at reducing traffic congestion, cutting travel expenses, and improving productivity.

While laws like this offer alternatives, many residents still hope for long-term, sustainable improvements to the city’s transportation infrastructure. Metro Manila’s commuters, though weathered by the daily grind, continue to adapt and remain hopeful for a future of smoother, more efficient travel.

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