Somehow I haven’t witnessed any expressions of gratitude or jubilation after the installation of new traffic lights all over the city. Some say that’s because of the traffic accidents that have happened ever since. And this, in turn, is apparently due to Davaoeños’ not being used to so many traffic lights.
I don’t think so. Yes, we do have a rather large number of undisciplined and seemingly uncaring drivers out there. But that’s another matter entirely.
In my view, the new traffic lights now installed in Davao’s major intersections have not really addressed the traffic problem satisfactorily. Perhaps eventually they will help in educating Davao’s crazy drivers in proper road etiquette. But it won’t solve the growing traffic problem. Not by a long shot.
Recent years have shown a tremendous increase in vehicles plying Davao’s roads. A few years ago it was rare to see license plates that started in LD. Now it’s pretty common to see LF plates. I even saw several LKs today. In a few more years, we might already run out of the L series entirely.
The answer to the traffic problem, in my opinion, are new roads. I know, easier said than done…. But it has got to be said! We are a coastal city with no real coastal roads to speak of. We have a pretty large river snaking across the metropolis, but we only have 3 bridges spanning it.
The horror stories coming out of Metro Manila telling of road rage, traffic snarls lasting for hours… — these sound so foreign to Davaoeños. But not for long. Pretty soon we might even have to implement color-coding to deal with congested traffic….
Aside from new roads, though, would it be premature for Davao’s local government to start thinking about a metro-rail transit system? My take on this is: Why wait for the full-blown problem to descend on us unprepared?
“would it be premature for Davao’s local government to start thinking about a metro-rail transit system? My take on this is: Why wait for the full-blown problem to descend on us unprepared?” — from what i heard, the LGU is already planning a metro-rail transit system. this should do wonders to the burgeoning traffic problem in davao.
I think that new roads would be difficult to implement, and very costly. However, a Light Rail System is something that should certainly be implemented. In the long run, a rail line from Toril to Panabo would be what is needed. For now, Maybe from Matina Crossing to Lanang would fill the bill.
This is great! I hope we do get an LRT soon.