DOTr takes over traffic management in Metro Manila

The Department of Transportation will now be working together with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) in managing traffic along national roads in Metro Manila.

Upon the marching order of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, the MMDA, HPG, and DOTr attached agencies such as the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will be solidifying traffic enforcement by coming up with just one chain of command.

Metro Manila will be split into at least 10 traffic sectors. Each will have a sectoral head.

“Kapag watak-watak tayo, mahihirapan ang mga tao on the ground. But if we will be given authority under one chain of command, we can now easily issue orders,” HPG Chief Supt. Antonio Gardiola said in a press conference earlier today.

Operating as one agency, the HPG and the MMDa will be sharing assets such as manpower and motorcycles. The HPG will also hook up with the MMDA command center for better traffic monitoring.

The agencies are also working on coming up with uniform penalties for traffic violations. Traffic personnel will also undergo joint training.

The inter-agency initiative is a necessary move to ease traffic congestion pending appeal for Emergency Powers.

“We are focusing on enforcement now while waiting for Congress to grant us emergency powers. We have to do what we can do now,” said Transportation spokesperson Cherie Mercado-Santos.