When your metro’s transport system is crappy
You know when your city or metropolis’ transportation system is crappy when restrictive measures are being undertaken to alleviate the traffic or congestion. Take for instance the Uniform Vehicular Volume Reduction Scheme, more commonly known as “color coding,” which the Metro Manila Development Authority has been implementing more than a decade now. In what other city in the world do the civil authorities ban you from using your vehicle in the name of alleviating traffic? In Metro Manila, you are prohibited from using your private automobile during peak hours one day a week. And then we practically re-invented road rules, where U-turn slots are now given the right of way over straightaway traffic. We basically threw all sense out the window and rendered our traffic lights and intersections useless with this scheme (which works OK in some places, but really bad in many).
And just recently, we heard of news that the MRT 3, the light rail transit traversing EDSA, the metro’s main thoroughfare, will be implmenenting a segregation scheme whereby men will be relegated to riding only certain coaches, with the ladies, elderly and children having exclusive access to the front-most coach in every trip. This was supposedly in response to complaints of discomfort (and possible harassment) experienced by some ladies.
To me this is a sign of weakness on the MRT management’s and the government’s part. They were fully aware that EDSA was and is the metro’s main road, which millions traverse every day but they did not design the rail system (the trains, signalling system and fare scheme) to accommodate a higher level of ridership. Hence, during rush hours, the trains are usually jampacked, to the extent that people tend to push each other when embarking or alighting.
In contrast, the LRT line 2, which runs a lessser route, from the eastern to western part of the metropolis, would give you a comfortable ride, with trains that are much wider and longer, and that have more doors at closer intervals. The line also has more frequent trips, and the stations are also more spacious and comfortable. The system even features automated ticket vending machines, which lessens queue lengths (while the MRT3’s ticketing machines were never, ever, used–a waste of resources, IMHO).
Of course, it’s impossible to widen the MRT3’s track gauge and trains, but other aspects can be resolved. One solution would be to lengthen the trains with an additional car each. But management says many of their cars are already need repair before being track-worthy. The MRT3 could have more trips, but the signaling system allegedly has to be reworked to support such an increased frequency of trips (which would cost tens of millions of Pesos), which supports a maximum frequency of a two-minute interval between trains.
So rather than solve the problem in rational ways, our metro’s transport managers seem to put the burden upon the public. Why are we the ones who have to adjust? Don’t we pay our taxes? Don’t we pay for fare?
I think Metro Manila is full of design ideas gone awry.
Related posts:
- 5 Useful MRT Tips Taking a ride in the Metro Rail Transit could be...
- Shopping for Plants in the Metro Some of you may know this already, but there exists...
- Walking Tours of Metro Manila Looking for something different to do over the weekend? You...
- Eat All You Can Joints in Metro Manila Here’s a list of establishments in Metro Manila where you...
- Long Weekend Sales It’s a long weekend up ahead with May 1st a...
taorist » Apr 07, 2006 at 7:33 am
To ensure that I had a comfortable seat, I ride the mrt from ayala to taft, then back to north ave. I didn’t know that they were implementing the sexist rule that day, so when I reached Taft–a guard ordered me to leave the car and go to the men’s designated car. I felt slighted because I was a man. My problem is–women also use the men’s car! These women purposely chose that car because the men would give up their seats to them! Why don’t the guards order them to leave OUR car?
SEXIST rule.
j ig » Apr 10, 2006 at 10:19 pm
the very same thing happened to me. i really think it’s discriminatory. i guess it would be better if they really segregate and not be selective in doing so. something like first car - women, children elderly, second car - free for all, third car - men only.
j ig » Apr 10, 2006 at 10:23 pm
Oh and about the U turn slots. the classic example of when not to use it is with the Quezon Avenue - EDSA intersection. I mean there are already 3 levels of roads there - a flyover, an underpass and the intersection. It can really become chaotic in the middle level since you’ve got every car wanting to go first which could very well be avoided if the traffic signals where used. And one very bad thing about these U turns is they’re pedestrian unfriendly.
did you ever stop wondering? » Apr 04, 2006 at 4:45 pm
Round trip…
Lately I’ve been taking round trips going home when riding the MRT so I can take a seat. Usually, I get on the last car going south so I’d be on the first car going north, which is a lot closer to where I get off (Quezon Ave.).
Now, I won…
jdavies » Apr 10, 2006 at 10:10 pm
these being your concerns, why not email the authorities and petition them for solutions. We cant always be on the complaint side. We can do our part in solving the country’s problem by helping authorities we sometimes consider brainless get a bright idea they wouldnt have thought of without help from the actual people in the streets.
In marketing we follow a simple rule called VOC: the voice of the customer. It’s the customer who knows the most. It’s just right that we citizens notice these things. Now let the authorities do something about it. (please dont rant about them not doing anything without us not doing anything first)
Idnod » Apr 02, 2006 at 2:26 am
the very very long lines in the MRT is also very stressfull. you usually have to fall in line feeling real hot for atleast ten minutes. another thing is the police men at the ayala station. you always see a lot of cops at their spot there but they’re just there. they rarely go around to patrol and they never help people in need like old people. they just wait there for someone to report a crime or a lost item.
slotmachines » Sep 09, 2006 at 9:09 pm
slotmachines slotmachines
ErnieA » Aug 06, 2007 at 6:22 pm
Well, goes to show how much the governemnt needs to catch up with the fast paced development. Roads should have been planned long ago when the areas they serve are still being developed. Thanks for the good guys from urban planning who have failed us in this area.
As with the suggestions, i think everybody has a good one from time to time, the only problem. They either cost too much or the guys up there are not too amiable to the best solution for it might curb their profits.
Try finding a good idea before solutions are needed. And solutions that stick and do make a difference.