Metro Manila traffic is 2nd worst in the world

Romar Fernando

February 3, 2021

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  Photo Credit: Inquirer

  The technology specialist TomTom has reported that Metro Manila is now on the second-worst traffic congestion in the world among 416 cities in 57 countries.

  According to its annual traffic index in 2020, TomTom has ranked Metro Manila in the second spot with drivers expecting to spend and average of 53% extra travel time because of being stuck in traffic. It was same spot record in 2019.

  

  Infographic by: Statista

   

  Meanwhile, the Moscow region in Russia now topped the traffic index with 54% congestion level. Bogota in Colombia and Mumbai in India also landed on the second spot with 53% rate as well.

  However, TomTom noted that this year’s index is much more positive than 2019. “This year’s ranking is unlike anything we’ve ever seen before,” TomTom noted.

  Metro Manila, for an instance, though landed on the same second worst spot, statistically improved compared to its 71% rate in 2019.

  

  Photo Credit: Philippine Star

  To support this data, the market and data consumer company Statista has stated that “387 cities experienced a significant decrease, an average of 21% in overall congestion, as well as an astonishing 28% average decrease in congestion during peak hours.”

  TomTom attributed the changes to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed the way we live, work, and move. Lockdowns, remote working, and other restrictions on movement have transformed patterns of movement and reduced traffic congestion in most cities,” the company said in the report.

  

  Photo Credit: Asian Development Bank

  The Netherlands-based company also stated that the recent pandemic could “change the traffic forever.”

  Statista, on the other hand, warns that although congestion is an indicator of a strong economy, every nation might as well acknowledge the negative environmental repercussions and deterioration of human health.

  “The pandemic may provide an opportunity to change that, however, with a cleaner, safer, congestion-free future possible if society embraces a shift in mobility,” said Statista’s data journalist, Niall McCarthy.

  

  Photo Credit: Philippine Star

  Here in the country, the pandemic has become an opportunity to reorganize the maneuverability of the people, work place, and transportation into a seemingly better structure.

  Hopefully, though not at its best, our city’s traffic congestion will soon to be resolved and renewed through real game changers: cooperation and discipline of the people, systematic and sustainable infrastructure, and rational policies.

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