LTO vows they will be ready for holiday traffic

Ever since restrictions were loosened earlier this year, more and more motorists have started getting back on the road. Since most of us have been stuck in our homes for the past several years, it was not surprising that people (and several businesses) have started going back to the way things were.

People have started also doing “revenge traveling” as a way to enjoy some vacation outside Metro Manila. Combined with the fact that schools have reopened as well, the traffic situation in the Greater Manila Area has returned to pre-pandemic levels.

As the country enters October, the traffic situation will become worse as the months draw closer to the holidays and eventually the New Year. With this in mind, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) reassured the motoring public that they would be ready against holiday traffic.

In a brief statement, LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor Mendoza III ensured the agency's readiness to provide assistance amid the expected holiday traffic. Mendoza added that the LTO would meet with other agencies including the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG). This is to further ensure an orderly traffic situation amid the expected surge in the volume of vehicles plying during the holiday season.

“Expected na dadami ang sasakyan habang papalapit ang holiday season lalo na sa mga matataong lugar gaya ng mga malls at terminals. I will ensure that your LTO will make the most of our personnel to enforce traffic rules and assist our motorists where they are needed the most,” said Mendoza.

[It is expected that the number of vehicles will increase as the holiday season approaches, especially in crowded areas such as malls and terminals. I will ensure that your LTO will make the most of our personnel to enforce traffic rules and assist our motorists where they are needed the most]

Aside from the expected heavy traffic in the months to come, the LTO will also monitor the safety and security of motorists and the riding public from accidents and other incidents. In addition, Mendoza urged drivers to be patient and plan ahead their travels and trips by checking alternate routes to avoid heavy traffic.

With the traffic situation in Metro Manila already becoming heavy as of late, we can't imagine just how worse it will become in the next few months as the holiday season approaches.