THE traffic situation in Davao City is getting worse day by day. It is not surprising to read the sentiments of many Dabawenyos regarding the traffic situation here.
Those in the business community and other government leaders are saying that the worsening traffic situation of the city is a sign of progress. However, that does not mean that the local government unit will just allow it to happen.
The City Transport and Traffic Management Office has implemented certain means to somehow improve the traffic situation like strictly implementing the traffic laws and controlling the flow of traffic.
New road networks are also being constructed in a bid to decongest the current road networks.
The city is also making efforts to invite investors who will put up the much needed parking facilities in various parts of the city. One can observe that C.M. Recto St., Roxas Ave., and Magsaysay Ave. have shrunk due to private owners who park their cars on the side. They keep on complaining about the traffic problem but they are also the ones causing it.
At present, the city is also in the process of modernizing the public transport system.
Yes, there are initiatives and efforts in place or being implemented. Sadly, the pace of how the city's traffic situation getting worse is much faster than how these efforts are being implemented or crafted.
In resolving the city's traffic problem long-term solutions are a must. An effective public transport system will go a long way as it may lessen private vehicles in the streets. Effective traffic policies like regulation of car ownership or parking vehicles may also be effective in alleviating Davao's traffic situation.
The local government unit must not wait for Davao City to become another Metro Cebu or Metro Manila before it starts implementing traffic solutions. Compared to the two, there are still opportunities to improve the traffic situation here.