ISN'T it ironic that Christmas in the Philippines is becoming associated with more difficult travel and longer commutes? While regarded as a season of joy, the holiday period is increasingly viewed with trepidation by many because of the increased expenses, discomfort and stress that come with heavier motor vehicle traffic, insufficient public transportation and constrained mobility.

The road congestion experienced these days is what will be our 'new normal' if we don't shift from the unsustainable path we are on. The message is clear. As long as private motor vehicles are given a superior claim in the use of our roads, our traffic rules and our infrastructure spending, we will all end up stuck in traffic.