Businesses, public frown at Urdaneta City’s new traffic scheme

BAGUIO CITY (October 29, 2024) -- A new traffic scheme in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan which took effect Monday is being blamed by businesses and has irked residents because instead of easing traffic flow, it led to more disarray.

A newly-implemented traffic ordinance on the use of Caviganan St. in Barangay Poblacion, Urdaneta City, that according to critics was passed in Apri even as it was publicly opposed, has turned into a "bottle neck", as more and more vehicles are getting stalled in the area.

Photos and videos on various social media pages show tricycles, motorcycles and larger motor vehicles are having difficulties in passing through the street.

Local vegetable vendors and small town market businessmen complain they are no longer allowed to unload their goods near their market stalls at the Caviganan "Bagsakan" at Aruego St. and have to look for parking slots which are far.

They added that with the new traffic scheme, they are forced to hire porters to bring their goods to their stalls adding more cost to them.

Traffic congestion in the area had also brought parents and workers complaining because they have to wait for hours before reaching their destinations.

Outspoken critics said suggestions and comments on the ordinance were aired during the public consultation conducted by Urdaneta City Mayor Julio Parayno III on April 2024 but were never considered.

During the consultation, it was also agreed that buses and jeeps are banned to to pass at the one-way lane at Caviganan area.

But on its maiden implementation, a photograph shown on Facebook Page Urdaneta SPOT indicated a bus stalled in traffic at the intersection in one of the streets designated for the buses, blocking other vehicles thus causing a traffic "bottle neck".