After the implementation of the one-way traffic scheme on major streets in Lucena City on February 2, debate continues as to whether the City Ordinance 2915 has provided relief or added problems for motorists, business owners, and residents.
The initiative was carried out by the Lucena City Traffic Management Office (LCTMO) together with the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (LDRRMO), City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), and General Services Office (GSO) to reduce traffic congestion caused by the high volume of vehicles in areas such as Gomez St-Quezon Avenue, Quezon Avenue-Perez St., Perez St.-Merchan St., and Merchan St.,-Marketview-Dumacaa.
Mayor’s Personal Monitoring
Mayor Mark Alcala conducts regular onsite monitoring, both in the morning and afternoon—during peak traffic hours—to directly observe the situation on the roads.
According to him, he personally monitors Enriquez, San Fernando, CM Recto, and Merchan St. to feel the effects of the scheme himself.
“Patuloy po tayong tumitingin sa aktwal na sitwasyon sa city proper para masigurong maayos at makabuluhan ang pagpapatupad ng experimental traffic rerouting,” said Mayor Alcala.
A 24/7 Monitoring Command Center has been established to support two key initiatives: The center operates around the clock to track traffic flow, identify congestion points in real-time, and coordinate immediate assistance for road accidents to ensure public safety and keep roads moving efficiently.
"Hindi po ito instant solution, kaya tuloy-tuloy ang monitoring, pag-aaral, at adjustments habang kinokonsidera ang iba’t ibang factors at nakikinig sa feedback ng publiko,” the mayor added.
Positive Developments
“We have observed improvements in some parts of the city, especially during the hours of 6–9 AM and 4–7 PM. The movement of public and private vehicles is smoother, and there has also been a reduction of almost 25% in collision incidents in areas that used to be accident-prone,” said Engr. Ramon Dela Cruz, head of LCTMO.
He added that the scheme has also helped emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire trucks reach their destinations more quickly—with an average travel time reduction of 15 minutes, according to data from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).
Impact On Public Transportation
For public transportation, the effect is mixed. Laica Santos, a tricycle commuter traveling the route to Market View from Dumacaa, says that although some areas have improved traffic flow, their route and travel time have increased.
“Tumaas ang singil sa pamasahe eh nagbago lang nman po ng way? Kasi daw po lumayo ang ikot ng tricycle as if dati naman talaga ay doon nadaan sa Dumacaa. From Market View lang po ako galing to bayan,” said Reyes in an interview.
While some feel relief, many tricycle drivers express their grievances. Joel Mendoza, a tricycle driver, said that although traffic flow is smoother, their routes have become longer to reach their passengers’ destinations.
"Mas mahaba na ang daanan, mas marami na rin kaming nagagastos sa gasolina, pero hindi naman tumaas ang aming pamba-bayad. Kaunti na lang ang natitira sa aming pang-araw-araw na kita, lalo na ngayong mahal na ang gasolina,” he said.
Choke Points
One of the main concerns observed during Mayor Alcala’s monitoring is the congestion of roads near the city’s public markets—especially Lucena City Public Market (Poblacion) and Ibabang Dupay Market.
According to LCTMO, while traffic has improved on main roads, the outer roads leading to the markets have become congested due to rerouted vehicles.
“From morning until noon, the roads near the market are extremely congested. Many shoppers park their vehicles, as do trucks delivering goods. On top of that, because of the one-way scheme, there is an influx of tricycles and jeepneys on the outer roads to reach the market,” said SPO2 Carlos Santos, a traffic enforcer assigned to the area.
Elena Ramos, a shopper who buys at Lucena City Public Market every morning, says it’s now harder to enter the market because of the traffic.
“Noong una, nakakapunta ako doon ng maaga at nakauuwi pa bago pa sumikat ng husto ang init, pero ngayon kailangan akong maghintay ng matagal sa daan. Minsan, hindi pa ako nakakabili ng sapat dahil natatakot akong malate sa trabaho,” Ramos said.
Some netizens also suggested designating loading and unloading areas near markets to prevent disrupting traffic flow and conducting an information drive about the correct routes of the one-way scheme for drivers and visitors to the city.
Netizens Voicing Out
A wave of online commentary has offered suggestions for improvement.
The most common recommendations center on two key areas: cracking down on double parking and tightening up the rules for everyone on the road.
Remella A. Orivida, who works at DILG, said in a comment on the Opinyon Quezonin Facebook post, "Ang kailangan lang po talaga para walang traffic ay ang mahigpit na pagpapatupad ng batas trapiko, hindi po rerouting. Pero okay din naman ang rerouting kasi naiiwasan ang counterflow, u-turn, at iba pang traffic violations."
Beyond calls for stricter law enforcement, certain residents are proposing specific regulatory and infrastructural changes tailored to the busy thoroughfares of Lucena.
Michael Malubago, who works at Mt. Carmel Hospital, said, "Para maibsan ang traffic sa Lucena, magkaroon ng number coding sa mga private vehicle at bantayan ang mga busy streets tulad ng Quezon Ave., Enriques St., Merchant St., and Claro M. Recto."
"Some netizens are also addressing how traffic patterns have shifted to new areas like the public market and are recommending targeted road layout changes to address these emerging bottlenecks."
Apple N Peach said in a Facebook comment, "Yes, dahil lumipat na sa palengke ang traffic. Suggestion sa kinauukulan: Gawing tatlong lane ang Gomez. Isang lane pababa, dalawang lane pataas. Yung lane pababa para lamang po sa private vehicles. Kasi sa palengke na naman matraffic ang mga private. Tapos yung pataas naman, isang lane para sa private tapos isang lane para sa public utility vehicles. Tapos gawing two-way ang CM Recto mula Gomez hanggang Talaga Ave. Sobrang luwag na kasi."
Impact On Businesses
In the business sector, some establishments in areas covered by the one-way scheme complain of a decrease in customers.
“Our regular customers say it’s harder to reach us because of the new route, and there are times our sales drop by up to 30% in a day. Even our delivery trucks have trouble because they have to take longer routes,” said Juan Reyes, owner of a goods store.
Some restaurants faced parking probles for costumer who drive.
However, some businesses, like eateries and stores, say they have gained more customers due to the smoother traffic flow.
Next Steps
Currently, the LCTMO, together with the mayor’s office, continues to monitor the effects of the one-way scheme and coordinates with community sectors—including drivers’ associations, business owners, and residents—for suggestions and adjustments.
Based on Mayor Alcala’s monitoring and the concerns and suggestions of Lucena residents, adjustments to some signage and the deployment of an additional 20 traffic enforcers in areas that are difficult for motorists to navigate will begin next week.
Additionally, it was announced that there will be more traffic enforcers and towing units on roads near Lucena City Public Market and Ibabang Dupay Market to prevent double parking during peak shopping hours.
The full assessment is expected to be completed in the next three months to determine whether to continue, further adjust, or temporarily exempt some routes from the scheme.
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