The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is looking into the possibility of collecting toll fees from motorists passing in EDSA in hopes of solving heavy traffic problems there, Bam Alegre’s report on Unang Balita, Friday.
According to the report, DOTr consultant Alberto Suansing said the proposal, which would require Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology could also generate additional revenue for the government.
There would only be one toll fee rate for EDSA, which passes through several cities in Metro Manila.
The report also said that based on Suansing’s assessment, the toll fee collection in EDSA would not need the approval of Congress but only of Metro Manila mayors.
The government is looking at imposing EDSA toll fees in 2021, the report said.
According to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, an average of 405,882 vehicles pass through EDSA as of August 2019.
Meanwhile, DOTr also announced public utility vehicles could refuse to accept senior citizens and passengers below 21 years old during general community quarantine (GCQ).
“It is the policy of the IATF. They can politely refuse in the same manner that they can refuse passengers not wearing face shields,” Transportation spokesperson Goddes Hope Libiran said.
Also read: 31 accidents recorded in 22 days due to EDSA concrete barriers
“Remember, sila ang may responsibilidad sa kaligtasan at seguridad ng mga pasahero nila [they are responsible for their passengers’ safety and security],” she added.
However, the DOTr also acknowledged that there could be situations that these age groups must travel.
“When indispensable under their circumstances or if they are working for essential services. Halimbawa, kabataan na may schedule na magpa-checkup sa doktor ‘yung senior citizen mag isa lang sa bahay, so wala talagang puwedeng gumawa para sa kanya, siyempre dapat payagan siyang siya ‘yung bumili,” Libiran said.
Due to this, DOTr appeals to the public for understanding, saying that they are just concerned for vulnerable sectors’ health.
“’ Yung public health and public safety, kailangan inuuna ‘yan bago ‘yung comfort and convenience nung mga kababayan natin,” Libiran said.
“Ito namang binibigay na policies na inaaprubahan ng IATF at DOH, ‘yan naman ya para protektahan ang kalusugan nila,” she added.