Bayani Fernando’s U-TOT and online ‘burol’

Of late, traffic has been heavy at the intersection of C-5 and Kalayaan Avenue given the ongoing construction of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) latest infrastructure project, an elevated U-turn ramp or a U-Turn On Top, or U-TOT. This latest project of MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando, a first in the metropolis, aims to eventually ease traffic flow at this very busy intersection by shutting it down, literally, and forcing east- and west-bound motorists to instead make wide U-turns along C-5 to get to their destination.

As a motorist, I was never fully in favor of the MMDA initiative to shut down many traffic-light intersections by instituting more U-turns—a poor man’s alternative to building a series of circumferential roads with single-way traffic flow. Quezon Avenue is one perfect example of how this monstrous U-turn project is not working out. The problem, after all, is not so much traffic management as road space. Simply put, there are just too many cars on the road—or too narrow roads for the volume of cars in use. And not even a metropolis of U-turns can fix that.

It is a good thing the MMDA finally had enough sense, and budget, to put a lot more thought to the C-5/Kalayaan Avenue U-TOT. To be effective, U-turn slots should actually be at the outer lanes—and not at the inner lanes like on Quezon Avenue. This results in crisscrossing motorists, as well as a much slower left lane—which should be the fast lane. It also results in a further narrowing or roads, and thus exacerbates the problem of road space.

By putting the U-TOT on-ramp and off-ramp at the outer lanes, inner lanes are kept free flowing for south- and north-bound vehicles—with the left lanes maintained as fast lanes. Vehicles on Kalayaan Avenue heading east can also turn right to C-5, stick to the right, get on the ramp and then off, and then turn right again to head east without having to cross the paths of south- or north-bound motorists. This, obviously, makes more sense than having the same cars block traffic by cutting through C-5 just to make their way to the inner/leftmost lane to make a U-turn, and then cut through C-5 once more to make their way to the outer lane to turn right.

The sad part is that C-5 may be the first and last place to see the rise of the MMDA U-TOT. Putting up an elevated U-turn ramp is both difficult and expensive. It takes time to build, and, obviously, requires plenty of space. But given the recent widening of Commonwealth Avenue, some parts can already accommodate the construction of a U-TOT. Perhaps the MMDA can look into it. Such construction can result in lasting benefits.

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With technology nowadays, one can do many things online. In fact, with Internet technology, even time and space limitations need not hinder a loved one abroad from saying goodbye to the dearly departed. Online burol is something that should take off soon enough, considering the number of Filipinos working overseas.

The concept is simple enough. If one can enjoy the company of loved ones through broadband Internet protocols such as voice and video calls, chat, and the use of web camera, what is to stop one from being in the company of loved ones, even virtually, in their time of grief? With present technology, the possibilities are limitless.

In this day and age, the typical funeral parlor should already have facilities for video-conferencing, to allow family members abroad to take part in funeral proceedings; live web-cam feed of necrological and burial services; and Internet chat and voice-video stations for private conversations between family members here and abroad.

Additional services should include a video wall (a series of plasma TVs all running videos of the deceased and his family on a 24-hour basis), state-of-the-art audio equipment, 24-hour food-catering service, automated coffee machines, counseling and worship services, and venues, as well as activities for toddlers and infants.

Using technology to allow family members abroad to take part in the grieving process goes a long way in helping alleviate the pain of losing a loved one. 

Comments to matort@yahoo.com

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Sway: Bayani Fernando’s U-TOT and online ‘burol’

Of late, traffic has been heavy at the intersection of C-5 and Kalayaan Avenue given the ongoing construction of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) latest infrastructure project, an elevated U-turn ramp or a U-Turn On Top, or U-TOT.

William Pesek: Inflation fight in Sydney is good news for world

It’s hard to decide who has a more taxing job these days: Glenn Stevens or Kevin Rudd?

Stevens runs the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA); Rudd is prime minister of the Asia-Pacific region’s fifth-biggest economy. The challenge facing both is the fastest inflation since 1991, and Stevens has been busily working to contain the threat. In March he raised borrowing costs to the highest in 12 years.