Sotto eyes other solutions aside from provincial bus ban

During a Senate joint hearing on the implementation of the provincial bus ban, Sotto said the ban was just a “band-aid solution” to the metropolis’ traffic problems, as he suggested to clear Metro Manila city streets of illegally parked vehicles. (File Photo: Senate of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA — Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Tuesday suggested other alternatives to the provincial bus ban along Edsa as long-term solutions to ease the worsening traffic congestion in Metro Manila.

During a Senate joint hearing on the implementation of the provincial bus ban, Sotto said the ban was just a “band-aid solution” to the metropolis’ traffic problems, as he suggested to clear Metro Manila city streets of illegally parked vehicles.

“Ang solusyon (The solution) to decongest Edsa is no parking in Metro Manila. Buong Metro Manila i-no parking mo (Declare all city streets in Metro Manila as no parking zones),” Sotto said.

Sotto also proposed to transfer government agencies outside Metro Manila to decongest the metro.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian backed the proposals of the Senate leader, noting that he filed similar bills that aim to solve Manila’s congestion problems.

Gatchalian said he authored the proof-of-parking bill, which requires prospective car buyers from Metro Manila to prove that they have parking space, and the measure seeking to transfer the seat of government to New Clark City.

The hearing, led by the Senate Committee on Public Services, was attended by transport officials, representatives from public and private sectors, local officials, major transport groups, commuters’ associations, and transport economists.