• Decrease font size
  • Reset font size to default
  • Increase font size
Small Business Tip #1. Click here.
Home Pinoy Exchange Philippines Island Life and Abroad Big city life in Metro Manila: better traffic flow, improved quality of life
Big city life in Metro Manila: better traffic flow, improved quality of life
Written by Jojo Iglesia   

 As with the other bustling metropolitan regions of the world, Metro Manila is beset with a teeming population amidst a fixed land area.

The fact that Metro Manila is among Asia's most densely populated areas can and does translate to the reality of vehicular traffic-related problems.

(Video from youtube.com; posted by TeleFlubbie 06.23.07)

There may also be confounders such as isolated street floodings (especially with strong rains) and other factors such as limited infrastructure and sometimes, even suboptimal traffic rules enforcement. Regarding traffic, there are things that cannot be changed, although there are also some measures that can be done to improve motoring experience, including:

1. Better education and attitude of drivers, highlighting safety, responsibility, and accountability;

2. Drivers having a sense of "bigayan" (road courtesy) consistently, instead of the "gitgitan" or "unahan" (need to be first by all means) mentality; with proper road sense, the 4-way stop sign (wherein drivers can take alternate turns even without a traffic cop or aide present) can be implemented. Just imagine the savings in terms of gasoline, time, and the need for traffic lights in some areas. Of course, the concept and value of the stop sign has to be appreciated first before multiple-way (eg, 2-way, 3-way, 4-way) stop signs can be functionally effective;

3. Following or staying within designated traffic lanes. The lanes are there for a reason, not just for decoration; and

4. Extending respect to others (ie, other drivers, pedestrians, traffic enforcers) is an essential component. 

As befits a world-class city, better traffic flow, including that related to both internet traffic and road traffic, in Metro Manila, or other big cities of the Philippines, should not be just an aspiration but a reality, especially given the benefits in Pinoy quality of life that are derived.