CAP DAY 5: "TRAFFIC SCHEME"

IN PHOTOS: Members of the PNPA MASIDTALAK Class of 2023 and the BCPO Traffic Enforcement Unit, led by PLT Damong, check the main intersections and crossroads in Baguio City's Central Business District, which are major sources of traffic when rush hour arrives.

"There is no traffic jams along the extra mile"--Roger Staubach[1]

Everyday traffic is a major issue in the city of Baguio, especially during rush hours (6:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.). These are the enemies of our traffic enforcers every day, not to mention dealing with people and motorists who are irritated due to traffic on the road. To explain and deal with them, you must have complete maximum tolerance. On this day, we join PLT DAMONG in inspecting the city's major traffic clugging points, particularly rotonda's, intersections, and pedestrians.

One purpose of this inspection is to see if the BCPO Traffic Enforcement Unit personnel assigned to this area take their posts and to monitor the volume of traffic in this area. When there is heavy traffic in this area, our enforcers will communicate with other enforcers via radio to receive simultaneous instructions to reduce the heavy traffic. Radio is one of the most important weapons for our enforcers to communicate effectively about the status of the various rotondas and junctions so that they know which road will be prioritized.

Furthermore, one of the functions of the Baguio City Police Office Traffic Enforcement Unit is to plan road schemes and road blocks for major events in the city such as "PANAGBENGA FESTIVAL," and if there are "VIP's" who will visit the city, they are the ones who will make the VIP route. They also coordinate with other Local Government Units on the proposed traffic scheme and discuss it with other Public Utility Vehicle associations and the Traffic and Transportation Management Division (TTMD).

Due to its high population density and heavy tourist traffic, Baguio City experiences significant traffic congestion, especially during peak travel seasons which attracts a large number of visitors every year.To combat traffic congestion, road safety, and sustainability in densely populated areas in the said place, traffic management schemes in urban areas are designed to address these challenges. These schemes aim to improve the flow of traffic, reduce the number of accidents and incidents on the road, and promote sustainable transportation.

To address this challenge, the city has implemented a number of traffic management schemes aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving road safety. Some of the measures include:

1. Traffic signals: Traffic signals are used to regulate the flow of traffic at intersections, and to give priority to different modes of transportation, such as buses, bicycles, and pedestrians.

2. Roundabouts: Roundabouts are used to slow down traffic and to reduce the number of accidents and incidents on the road. They are particularly effective in reducing the number of right-angle collisions, which are one of the most common types of accidents in urban areas.

3. Bus lanes: Bus lanes are dedicated lanes for public transportation, which help to improve the efficiency of public transportation services and to reduce travel times and delays.

4. Bicycle lanes: Bicycle lanes are dedicated lanes for cyclists, which help to improve road safety and encourage the use of non-motorized modes of transportation.

5. Pedestrian-friendly environments: Pedestrian-friendly environments are designed to improve the safety and accessibility of public spaces for pedestrians, and to encourage walking as a mode of transportation.

6. Parking management: Parking management involves the regulation of on-street and off-street parking, and is designed to reduce the number of parked vehicles on the road and to improve road safety.

7. Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS): ITS are technologies that use data and communication to manage and improve traffic flow, and to provide real-time information to drivers and other road users.

In conclusion, Baguio City, as a busy traffic area, faces significant challenges in terms of traffic congestion and road safety. However, by implementing a number of effective traffic management schemes, the city is working towards improving the overall quality of life for its residents and visitors.

[1] https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/traffic-quotes