Baguio needs road congestion pricing

LESSER traffic, cleaner air, easier travel may soon be coming to Baguio City. The city government under Mayor Benjamin Magalong is considering working with Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) on a smart urban mobility project with road congestion pricing as a main component. Road congestion pricing works much like a toll and can be applied on a road, area or zone (usually in the city center) in order to discourage the use of private motor vehicles. Public consultation on the proposal is ongoing.

Decades ago, what made Baguio a wonderful place to live in or visit was not only its cool climate; it was also a place where you didn't need a private motor vehicle to move around. You could take a taxi or jeepney to get to most places. If your destination was close enough, walking or biking was not a problem. The air was clean, vehicle traffic was manageable and the roads were walkable.