The city of Sto. Tomas, Batangas, was once known for its bustling industrial parks and relatively manageable traffic conditions. However, since the grand opening of SM City Sto. Tomas, the local traffic situation has deteriorated from bad to worse, leaving residents and commuters frustrated and looking for solutions.
Before the arrival of SM, the primary traffic challenge was navigating the First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) and the Light Industrial Science Park (LISP) 3, which already caused significant congestion during rush hours. These industrial zones play a crucial role in the local economy, but the heavy traffic they create was somewhat manageable until recently.
The opening of SM City Sto. Tomas on October 27, 2023, has exacerbated the problem. Heavy traffic is now the norm throughout the day, extending well into the night. Residents who experienced some relief during the Undas holiday fear a return to gridlock when schools reopen.
As a result, affected residents and netizens are planning a mass protest to draw attention to the traffic issues and demand swift action from the city government and SM. The inconvenience is intolerable, and the economic cost of traffic congestion is substantial.
Lack of proactive city planning and insufficient communication on alternative routes are contributing to the crisis. While there are longer but less congested paths, they are not well-promoted. Simple traffic initiatives, such as appropriate signage, could help guide motorists and reduce the traffic burden.
The excitement surrounding the birth of SM City Sto. Tomas has been overshadowed by the daily traffic nightmare residents now face. This situation calls for immediate attention and collaborative efforts from local authorities, businesses, and the community to address the growing crisis. Without effective solutions and alternative routes, the traffic woes in Sto. Tomas City will continue to burden its residents and hinder economic activities.
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