Transportation chief Arthur Tugade: ‘Let’s stop blaming traffic’

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade

Metro Manila’s hellish traffic is everyone’s enemy, but we can’t stop our activities because of it.

This is pretty much what Department of Transportation chief Arthur Tugade said at the launch of the premium bus service at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Although he acknowledged that Metro Manila’s traffic woes need to be addressed, Tugade also pointed out that “using the traffic as a convenient excuse for tardiness has become a habit.”

“A state of mind adds to the problem of traffic. Let’s stop blaming traffic. If you’re late, that’s that,” Tugade told Philippine Daily Inquirer.

He added: “One thing we will have to address in solving traffic: change your psyche. Change your psyche (that allows) you to every now and then use as a convenient excuse that one word: traffic.On our own we should change. We must learn to tell the truth. Let’s teach ourselves (to be truthful). That will be a good start.”

We all know Metro Manila traffic is hellish, so maybe we can curb the whining and just suck it up. Yes, you have to wake up at the crack of dawn to make it to work on time. That’s our reality.

In cases where a weather disturbance hampers road travel, just pass the time at your office before you try to head home. Your family will see less of you but at least you won’t be perpetually pissed.

If traffic can’t change, we do as Tugade advised and change our mindset.

That’s easier said than done, though, to be honest.



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