Metro Manila&rsquo;s busiest highway, Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), might soon come with a price tag for private vehicle owners. The idea, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, is to encourage drivers to opt for public transportation instead of braving the daily congestion. This plan, discussed during a recent government meeting on Metro Manila&rsquo;s Comprehensive Traffic Management Plan (CTMP), aims to reshape the way people navigate the city while addressing road inefficiency caused by private cars dominating the lanes.
If implemented, a metering system powered by artificial intelligence could determine the fees for using EDSA, much like congestion pricing schemes in other countries. But before any charges are imposed, authorities are focusing on making public transportation more efficient, comfortable, and reliable. After all, shifting to buses, trains, or other transit options will only make sense if they can offer a better commuting experience than sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic in a private car.
For urban travelers and daily commuters, this possible shift presents both challenges and opportunities. While some car owners may find the idea inconvenient, many others might welcome a smoother-flowing EDSA and a better public transport system. Whether this turns Metro Manila into a commuter-friendly city or simply pushes car users onto alternative routes remains to be seen. Either way, the capital&rsquo;s evolving traffic policies are set to change how people experience the city&rsquo;s roads, one ride at a time.