Mayor pushes plan to ease Baguio traffic

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio Domogan during the transport and traffic management meeting last week requested a detailed study be done on a proposed traffic scheme on its effect on the environment and motorists’ convenience before experimentation and implementation.

            The scheme as presented plans to put back two-way vehicular routes in roads once deemed one-way areas was presented to the Transport and Traffic Management Committee (TTMC) last Thursday.      Planned to ease traffic to and from the Central Business District and the University of the Philippines loop area, the scheme was contradicted as it was seen to increase traffic build-ups in adjoining roads and cause more vehicular fume emission, thus the mayor’s call for a study.

            The TTMC also tackled a request for permanent space for parking, loading and unloading of an out-of-town jeepney line at Harrison road, due to displacement at Governor Pack road.

            Said request was given a temporary status until the completion of road repairs.

            From the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), is an announcement that Chanum street, Upper Kayang extension and M. Roxas streets shall be closed for repairs.

            Traffic signs shall be installed by the City Engineers Office (CEO), for the public’s information, it was learned.

            Requests for exemption from the coding scheme from motorcycle food services were also denied as with additional on-street parking. Institutions should provide parking areas for their personnel and clients, it was made known.       

            The TTMC headed by Mayor Domogan also endorsed to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) requests for lines, provided that the subject lines meet: conditions set: the need for said transport route and that a private parking area is provided.               

             So as to lessen vehicle volume on the roads, operator-driver organizations are encouraged to arrange their schedules on the road; as done by the Trancovillejeepney lines.

            And as to the vendors insisting on their right to stay at General Luna road, a dialogue is reset between them, Punong Barangay officials, Saint Louis Center Parents Advisory as to its status and use of the area.       

            Earlier, the space was maintained as a portion of the school and later said to be part of the city road. School officials later insisted no permit was given to the vendors and the space is now needed as loading and unloading area for school service vehicles. The matter is expected to be resolved before the next school year starts.