Motorists in Metro Manila are probably dreading traffic in the coming months. Not just because we’re drawing closer to the holiday season, but because the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games are upon us—right in time for the Christmas rush.
As soon as the delegates arrive for the festivities, the congestion in the city will be yet another headache for the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), which is why the agency has already begun preparations for when the games begin. According to a report by ABS-CBN News, the MMDA plans to implement a ‘stop-and-go scheme’ on EDSA and other major roads to facilitate the travel of athletes and foreign delegates around the more difficult parts of the metro. This will be effective from November 30 to December 6.
“Wala ho tayong guguluhin sa regular traffic na nararanasan sa EDSA or other primary roads,” said MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago. “Patitigilin lang po sila [the motorists] kapag nandiyan na yung convoy. Paglagpas ng convoy, balik-normal na ho ang sitwasyon.”
“Alam natin ‘ber’ months...of course, magkakaroon ng ganitong malaking event so makakadagdag po ito sa mabigat na daloy ng trapiko,” Pialago conceded.
There are at least 15 different venues across the capital where the games will be held, and visitors are expected to stay in at least 20 different hotels. The MMDA will deploy 2,000 personnel when the events begin to help control the traffic situation.
What preparations have you made for the imminent heavy traffic during the SEA Games?
