MMDA mandates earlier work hours to ease traffic jam

4 weeks ago

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Vehicles and motorcycles are stuck in traffic along EDSA in this file photo. — PHILIPPINE STAR/WALTER BOLLOZOS

By Chloe Mari A. Hufana

THE METROPOLITAN Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday ordered local governments to adjust their working hours an hour earlier to 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. amid worsening traffic congestion in the capital region.

“The persistent traffic congestion in Metro Manila demands innovative solutions for the improvement of commuting conditions and the well-being of the citizens of the National Capital Region (NCR),” according to a copy of the Feb. 28 resolution released to media.

It also advised government agencies in Metro Manila to follow the schedule.

MMDA said the traditional 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. working hours in government offices align with private companies’ working hours, adding to the traffic congestion.

“Adjusted work arrangements, while not necessarily bad, will not solve our basic need for mobility,” AltMobility PH Director Ira Cruz told BusinessWorld in a Viber message.

“Back to basics — moving away from car-oriented policies and reducing car-dependence by improving infrastructure for walking and cycling, promoting other forms of personal mobility and prioritizing mass public transportation on roads,” he added.

Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. at a town hall meeting with various agencies on Wednesday cited the importance of public transportation.

Other government agencies in the capital and nearby cities should follow the MMDA schedule to ensure maximum benefits, Mr. Cruz said.

The MMDA is also banning e-tricycles, e-bikes and other light vehicles from major roads in NCR starting April 15 due to the growing number of accidents involving these vehicles. Violators will be fined P2,500, while unregistered vehicles will be impounded.

These policies are part of the agency’s efforts to decongest traffic in Metro Manila, dubbed the world’s worst in the TomTom Traffic Index in January.

“As our cities grow, the government must prepare for the influx of people in cities by making sure that we have proper transport systems to serve travel needs,” Mr. Cruz added.