MOTORISTS who were stuck in traffic at the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) for almost 24 hours incurred business losses, lost opportunity, suffered anxiety, and were exposed to health hazards.
But all that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) can do is ask the NLEX Corp to consider the idea of refunding toll fees?
TEMPLATE RESPONSE
In a statement, the DOTr, through the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), has issued an order to the NLEX Corp. to explain within three days the heavy traffic caused by flooding in San Simon, Pampanga.
NLEX Corp. was also asked to consider reimbursing toll fees paid by Class 1 motorists who were forced to make U-turns along the expressway because of the flooding.
The NLEX Corp was likewise urged to issue text advisories to motorists during heavy rains and flooding.
“Our toll operators should be proactive. They should anticipate which areas need to be monitored, especially when heavy rains are approaching, so motorists can immediately know which parts of the expressway are flooded or difficult to pass through and avoid them,” DOTr Sec. Giovanni Lopez said in a statement.
“They should immediately receive advisories, such as text messages, so they can plan better and avoid getting stuck in traffic,” he added.
ENDURING MOMENTS
As early as Sunday, thousands of vehicles were forced to stall along portions of the NLEX near the San Simon Interchange and Tulaoc Exit due to flooding.
While stuck in traffic, motorists went to social media to complain over being stranded on the expressway for hours, with some enduring hunger and fatigue as they waited for the traffic to ease and be able to pass the flooded highway.
Interestingly, the flooding that stalled thousands of the motorists wasn’t the first. The same problem occurred in 2023, but the expressway operator failed to address the flood-induced traffic at the San Simon Interchange.
BAND-AID SOLUTION
In the meantime, the DOTr said that they’re coordinating with the TRB, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in implementing additional measures.
These measures include sandbagging, continuous pumping of floodwater, installing flood barriers, and diverting vehicles to alternative routes.
In its statement, the DOTr never mentioned “compensating” the motorists who incurred losses in various forms.
Workers lose hours in transit, reducing overall national output and lowering daily wage potential.
HEAVIER TOLL
Commodity-wise, prices increase as transport and logistics costs rise because delivery trucks take longer to complete routes. Vehicles also suffer from increased fuel consumption and faster depreciation in stop-and-go traffic.
Health-wise, motorists and commuters are exposed to heavy vehicle emissions that increase levels of harmful particulate matter, worsening respiratory issues. For people pressed with time, long hours in gridlock lead to elevated blood pressure, fatigue, and higher risks of cardiovascular strain.
Unpredictable travel schedules negatively affect the daily psyche and general well-being of the commuting public who leave home much earlier and return late at night, cutting into time spent with family.
