Double-decker buses may be seen in Philippine roads someday as a solution to the long-standing traffic problem in the country, as an official of the Department of Transportation (DOT) said the agency considers it as a possibility.
In a meeting with DOT Secretary Arthur Tugade on Thursday, August 25, United Kingdom’s trade envoy Richard Graham proposed this idea, as London is famous for its iconic double-decker buses.
“We are open to all legitimate proposals and we will consider it,” DOT spokesperson Cherie Mercado said in a telephone interview, as quoted by Philippine Star.
The country has always been plagued with constant road accidents and other road issues, and one such example is the issues resulting from buses and trucks crowding the Metro Manila roadways. With more seats available in a double-decker bus, more passengers can be accommodated in a single bus, which would lessen the number of buses needed in the road.
Apart from road congestion, Mercado said talks about the country’s priority projects focusing on transportation, such as the public private partnership deals, were also discussed during the meeting.
Earlier, Secretary Tugade, said the government is studying the feasibility of requiring higher registration fees and taxes for people who purchase second cars. The DOT is also considering making parking space a requirement before an individual is allowed to purchase a car.
Tugade has asked for emergency powers from Congress in order to implement a unified traffic scheme, open private subdivisions to traffic and allow the takeover of certain properties.
Photo Credit: Yahoo
