TO help decongest the city’s streets, the Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA) proposed that an electronic road pricing system similar to that enforced in Manila be set up in Cagayan de Oro City.
RTA chief Engr. Nonito Oclarit said during City Hall’s management committee (ManComm) meeting that the electronic road pricing system is part of a package of proposals contained in the city’s Local Transport Master Plan for 2022 to 2030. The Local Transport Master Plan will be submitted next week to the 20th City Council for review and approval.
Also included in the transport master plan is the creation of a Cagayan de Oro Transport Authority which Oclarit explained would assume similar functions done by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) about regulating public and private transport.
Oclarit said the transport master plan will focus on sustainable modes of public and private transport.
He said the transport master plan will prioritize and encourage active transport or non-motorized transport like bicycles and walking.
“Hence we need to build more pedestrian and bicycle lanes, parking facilities, and elevated walkways (connecting the city’s malls and office buildings),” Oclarit said.
To help regulate the city’s traffic flow, Oclarit proposed that an electronic road pricing system be enforced similar to what is implemented in Metro Manila.
“In Manila, they charge toll fees on specific road networks to regulate vehicular flow (during peak hours),” Oclarit said.
A similar system called congestion pricing is being implemented in New York City and London.
Oclarit explained that the road pricing system to be enforced in designated zones or identified traffic hotspots in the city would help decongest traffic and encourage the public to use mass transport and other alternate modes of active transport like walking and bicycles.
“These proposals are in line with the RISE development agenda of Mayor Rolando Uy’s administration,” he said. (Stephen Capillas of City Information Office)
