Wazzup Pilipinas!
The PNP Highway Patrol Group (HPG) took the helm of EDSA traffic a few weeks ago, the latest in the many attempts of the government to solve Metro Manila's traffic problems.
The HPG is meant to be the iron hand, stricter rules that would hopefully result to discipline.
But as we all know by now, no man can control an unstoppable monster. During rush hour or when rain starts to pour, EDSA turns into a parking lot.
So what's the problem? There are just too many cars on the road.
The HPG itself admits: it's a matter of volume rather than discipline.
According to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the average daily capacity of EDSA is 160,000 vehicles. But as of 2014, that number has more than doubled to 360,417 vehicles daily.
That number is poised to increase as Land Transportation Office (LTO) reported an increase in car registration.
According to a report by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in 2012, private vehicles occupied 78% of the road in 2012.
Every expert will agree that the only solution is an infrastructure for mass transport.
We have seen how the MRT and LRT alleviated this massive problem on their good days. But lately, bad days have been becoming more frequent.
Meanwhile, we have to think of solutions.
U-Hop's proposition is simple: ride sharing. Through incentivized ride sharing and carpooling, we will lessen the number of cars on the road.
It combines the efficiency of technology through the use of an app, and the long-term vision of a mass transport system by way of shuttle service. U-Hop is also in the process of conceptualizing the service of ‘motorcycle taxis’.
We are compliant to LTFRB’s rules and our application for the Transport Network Company (TNC) status has already been recommended for approval by the LTFRB accreditation committee.
U-Hop will soon be presenting the concept to media on October 21 matched with insight and perspective by world renowned urban planner, Architect Felino “Jun” Palafox who have studied this very matter. Jun has practiced architecture and planning for more than four decades and has collaborated with some of the best designers, leaders and developers in the world. He leads a firm in setting the standard in design practices and adhering to the core values. Corollary to this are the many awards and recognition the firm has received under his leadership and guidance.