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C5- Ateneo Traffic Gridlock Result of New Truck Issuance by LTFRB

[Admin 05] The severe traffic jam experienced by motorists plying along streets fronting Ateneo De Manila University and Miriam College including C5 was only an ill-fated outcome of the Land Transportation and Regulatory Board’s (LTFRB) new truck issuance according to the records of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

In a data compiled by the Agency, there has been an 80.67% increase in the volume of trucks that traversed along Katipunan Avenue (in front of Ateneo Gate 3) when LTFRB lifted the Truck Ban last July 25, 2014.

Said data means that on that day, the number of trucks traversing said road has ballooned into a staggering 14,380 count, resulting to a severe traffic congestion. This just doubled the last year’s 7,959 number of trucks when the ban was still implemented.

“Our records only justify that vehicular bottleneck along Katipunan Avenue is the adverse effect of the new truck issuance of the LTFRB,” MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said.

Tolentino is referring to the recent Advisory of LTFRB to all Trucks for Hire on June 27,2014, wherein “No Apprehension Policy” shall be observed both by the Board and the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

This came on the heels of an LTFRB-issued Board Resolution No. 05 Series of 2014, whereas all for-Hire Trucks with green plates can freely pass along C5 for the period of one month, from June 28 to July 28, 2014, without fear of getting apprehended by traffic enforcers.

“The current move of the LTFRB will not only exacerbate the already worse traffic situation in the metropolis,” said Tolentino, pointing out that trucks are major contributors to the traffic gridlock, especially during rush hour.

The MMDA Chairman stressed, however, that he, together with Metro Manila Mayors, would be more willing to discuss said concern with the LTFRB in a dialogue.