Car-centric MMDA needs a mindset change

METRO Manila has been rated the global leader in hours wasted in traffic — the worst among 387 metropolitan areas in the world — based on data from navigation software company Tomtom. I was hoping that this unflattering recognition would trigger some soul-searching on the part of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) as to where its strategy was failing and then change course.

In the most livable cities and countries, the winning strategy is to make walking, cycling and public transportation safe and attractive travel options so that even those with cars leave these at home. When road space is prioritized for the most efficient and least damaging travel modes, people are encouraged to shift, alleviating traffic and freeing up road space for those who have no option except to use a private motor vehicle. Unfortunately, the MMDA’s policies and actions have been largely in the opposite direction.