Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) traffic enforcers direct the flow of motorists along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City on September 7, 2023. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA -- The Department of Interior and Local Government bared several plans that are being studied by the administration as part of the Comprehensive Traffic Management Plan in Metro Manila.

President  Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes and other Cabinet officials Tuesday to discuss updates on the plan which aims to establish "an inclusive, people-oriented, sustainable mobility system by optimizing transportation infrastructure and implementing an effective traffic management strategy."

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla disclosed that one of the solutions being looked into is to modify the bicycle lane into a "two-wheel lane" to prevent vehicular accidents along EDSA.

"Yung bicycle lanes, imo-modify nila, gagawin na nilang two-wheel lanes. Imbes na purely bicycle pati motorsiklo kasama na sa bicycle lane," he said in an interview with Teleradyo Serbisyo Wednesday, February 5.

"Seventy percent ng aksidente sa Metro Manila ay motor na nag-wi-weave-in and out ng traffic. So bibigyan sila ng sariling lane na para pwede silang doon na lang para mame-menos sa aksidente," he added. 

The DILG chief also divulged that the gradual phaseout of EDSA busway is being studied while increasing the capacity of the MRT-3. 

READ: Phase out of EDSA bus lane looms; bikes, motorcyles to share lanes -- DILG

"Ngayon kasi it runs at 500k/day, ngayon i-increase nila 'yung capacity, dadagdagan ng bagon at saka 'yung rails imo-modify magiging 800k/day which will make up kung gaano karaming tao ang sumasakay ng bus araw-araw," he noted. 

An additional six bridges in the Pasig River area are also being eyed to boost interconnectivity.  

'SKYWAY VOUCHERS?'

Remulla also revealed that an extensive study is underway to rehabilitate the Magallanes and Guadalupe Interchange.

A voucher system along the Metro Manila Skyway is being studied for affected motorists.

The MMDA will study who will qualify for the voucher system, according to Remulla.

"Pinag-aralan namin capacity, Skyway is now running at 70% capacity. Yung Manila side 'yung Skyway extension. Pag i-divert dun 'yung mga kotse magiging 100% na ang estimate namin," he stated. 

"Kasi wala nang ibang solusyon saka hindi na pwedeng maghintay eh. Ang Guadalupe bridge delikado na mag-collapse 'yan anytime," Remulla added. 

While there is no definite timetable yet, the DILG chief noted that transport officials are eyeing to start the construction of bypass bridges this year "before the rainy season".

"Ang program nila this year uumpisahan eh. Pero ginagawa na nila muna 'yung extensive study. Parang sa Guadalupe Bridge, gagawa sila ng dalawang bypass bridge, una muna 'yung northbound tapos 'yung southbound, isa-isa gagawin. Tapos ganito rin 'yung Magallanes, by lanes silang gagawin," he said.

'METERING SYSTEM'

Additionally, Remulla said they are carefully studying the potential charging of motorists entering EDSA to further decongest the major thoroughfare once the public transportation is improved.

This, he said, is to encourage private car owners to use mass transit.

"Ayan ang pinag-aaralan nang husto. Baka magkaroon ng metering system through AI, magkakaroon ng charge na ang gagamit kung ganun ang gagawin," he noted.

"So it becomes a privilege not a right para gumamit ka ng kalye pero ang first round of the day efficient and reliable and comfortable ang public transportation. 'Yun ang uunahin," Remulla emphasized.