ICTSI backs MMDA clearing ops of Roxas Boulevard service road

“We welcome MMDA’s move to optimize the service roads of Roxas Boulevard for the use of moving vehicles, and to improve the flow of traffic in one of Metro Manila’s busiest thoroughfares by discontinuing its use for vehicle parking. This would also allow container trucks to travel at a faster pace in the TABS lane in Roxas Boulevard improving the flow of hinterland trade south of Metro Manila, in and out of the Port of Manila,” Gonzales said in a statement. (Photo: Philippine News Agency)

MANILA–The International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) will coordinate with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on its clearing operations of illegally parked vehicles and other obstructions in the Roxas Boulevard service road.

ICTSI Senior Vice President and Head of Asia Pacific Region Christian Gonzales said Monday the company supports the initiative of the MMDA as it will help improve traffic flow and movement of goods and services in Metro Manila.

“We welcome MMDA’s move to optimize the service roads of Roxas Boulevard for the use of moving vehicles, and to improve the flow of traffic in one of Metro Manila’s busiest thoroughfares by discontinuing its use for vehicle parking. This would also allow container trucks to travel at a faster pace in the TABS lane in Roxas Boulevard improving the flow of hinterland trade south of Metro Manila, in and out of the Port of Manila,” Gonzales said in a statement.

“All of these redound to faster movement of people and goods resulting in improved economic activity,” he added.

The Terminal Appointment Booking System (TABS) is an electronic platform for booking containers which is supported by the MMDA to manage cargo traffic in and out of the Port of Manila.

The TABS lane, exclusively designated for container trucks with TABS booking, covers a long stretch of Roxas Boulevard leading to South Harbor and ICTSI’s flagship Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) via Bonifacio Drive and Delpan.

MMDA General Manager and Officer in Charge Thomas Orbos has stated earlier that the agency will continue to clear of obstructions the whole stretch of Roxas Boulevard from Vito Cruz to TM Kalaw following its successful clearing operations in Baclaran.

With all the road obstructions and structures cleared, motorists can now use the four lanes of the service road from Vito Cruz up to TM Kalaw.

MMDA plans to clear the whole stretch of the service road, from Baclaran to T.M. Kalaw, which is about six kilometers long.