In Manila, when it comes to managing traffic and other transport-related concerns, one of the main agencies involved is the Metro Manila Development Authority. Notably, this entity has counterparts in different areas of the country.
In Davao City for instance, traffic is managed by the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO). This agency is engaged in traffic enforcement, transport planning, management of transport facilities, traffic education, transport regulations, and franchising.
In this article, let us learn more about the CTTMO: its services, goals, and plans for enhancing the transport system in Davao City.
What is Davao CTTMO?
The City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) was created through City Ordinance No. 0334-12, Series of 2012, which is also known as the Comprehensive Transport and Traffic Code of Davao City. The ordinance was enacted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) on August 7, 2012.
Basically, the CTTO serves as the sole transport and traffic management authority in Davao City. Under the supervision and control of the City Mayor, it is vested with the powers to formulate, coordinate, and monitor policies, standards, and programs related to transport and traffic management.
Prior to the creation of the CTTMO, it was the Traffic Management Center (TMC) that coordinated all traffic related activities in the city. Created through Section 3 of Executive No. 21, series of 1995, the TMC — under the Traffic Management Control Board (TMCB) — worked closely with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), City Engineer’s Office, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) District Office, Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Highway Patrol Group, and Traffic Group – Philippine National Police (PNP).
Goals and Objectives
According to the agency’s official website, the goals and objectives of the CTTMO in Davao City are as follows:
- To achieve a series of education drives and coordinate with all traffic stakeholders; to enforce national laws and local ordinances but not detained to strict technicalities of the rules; and to have the constant attitude of developing and upgrading through timely assessment by this office and the City Transport and Traffic Management Board (CTTMB), which is the policy making body of the local government pertaining to traffic and transportation matters;
- To recommend traffic-related plans and programs to the CTTMB;
- To ensure public awareness on road safety and the smooth flow of motor vehicles and pedestrian traffic;
- To provide proper education among road users and the public relevant to road safety; and
- To conduct studies that will effectively implement and enforce traffic law ordinances that promote public safety.
Short Term Plan
The official website of Davao City’s CTTMO shows that in terms of short-term planning, the agency seeks to:
- Acquire a towing vehicle for responding to the needs of bogged-down vehicles along the streets;
- Acquire a mobile speed camera for protection as well as to monitor traffic violations such as reckless driving;
- Acquire a stripping machine for traffic road markings;
- Purchase additional motorcycles;
- Purchase adequate supply of traffic paint;
- Improve new uniforms and traffic gears (e.g. reflectorized vests, rain coats, etc.);
- Make periodic traffic data (e.g. traffic/vehicular accidents, traffic vehicular count, etc.) available to the public; and
- Implement and sustain the Traffic Education Awareness Program for traffic personnel, barangay-based program schools, non-government organizations (NGOs), elementary schools, high schools, and drivers.
Long Term Plans
Meanwhile, when it comes to long-term planning, Davao City’s CTTMO aims to:
- Construct more flyovers in order to help decongest traffic at intersections;
- Open more access roads;
- Rehabilitate standard loading bays;
- Create additional terminals for provincial routes;
- Sustain present traffic signalization as a means to help decongest traffic problems; and
- Reassess Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) rerouting scheme, in coordination with the LTFRB.
Services Offered
The CTTMO of Davao City provides the following services:
- Inspection of business establishments in relation to the Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) study conducted;
- Facilitate the processing of Truck Ban Exemption Permits and Excavation Permits;
- Institution of a “no-physical contact apprehension” policy in apprehending traffic violators through the use of some technologies;
- Formulate, coordinate, and monitor policies, standards, and programs related to transport and traffic management;
- Rationalization of the existing transport operations; and
- Implementation of all traffic engineering services, traffic enforcement operations, traffic and transport planning, regulations and franchising, transport facilities management, and traffic education program.
Pillars of Traffic Management
Davao City’s CTTMO adheres to five “pillars” of traffic management, namely: enforcement, engineersing, education, economy, and environment. Let’s take a closer look at each one!
Enforcement
With the aim of ensuring public safety and convenience for commuters and pedestrians, the enforcement or implementation of the following is essential:
- Traffic direction and control;
- Initial investigation of vehicular accidents;
- Apprehension of traffic violations based on Republic Act 4136, and local legislation by traffic enforcers duly deputized by the Land Transportation Office XI; and
- Clearing of streets and sidewalks of obstructive vendors and structures, in accordance with Ordinance No. 30 of 1988 and relevant national statute.
Engineering
In relation to enforcement, there is a need for effective street signs and structures. This is where engineering comes in, as this section shall be involved in the following:
- Painting and maintenance of pedestrian lanes and yellow boxes on city streets;
- Fabrication, installation, and maintenance of traffic signs and other traffic road paraphernalia; and
- Rescue and towing of bogged down vehicles on streets.
Education
Education is necessary for effective and continuous traffic management. Hence, a pool of lecturers regularly conduct training and seminars in schools, Barangay Traffic Auxiliaries, private institutions, and drivers organizations. Topics discussed include: traffic signals, traffic discipline, traffic violations, and traffic reorientation of enforcers, conducted by other traffic agencies.
Economy
Free-flowing traffic results in less fuel consumption of motor vehicles. In turn, less fuel consumption means lower cost of goods and basic commodities. Producers, retailers, consumers — the local and national economies are set to benefit from an efficient transportation and traffic management system.
Environment
Consequently, an effective and efficient traffic scheme greatly affects the environment. Lesser fuel consumption means lesser carbon dioxide emission, and therefore less pollution. For instance the enforcement of rules on “smoke belchers” would help reduce carbon dioxide emission from motor vehicles.
Contact Information: Davao CTTMO
If you have any transport-related queries or concerns, you can get in touch with Davao City’s CTTMO through the following contact details:
Address: Elias B. Lopez Street corner Patnubay Street, S.I.R., Matina, Davao City, 8000 Philippines
Telephone: (082)2983602
Email: cttmo@davaocity.gov.ph
Website: https://cttmo.davaocity.gov.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CTTMODavao/
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
Indeed, the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) of Davao City helps to ensure efficient travel and road safety for everyone. Ultimately, it is not only the people that benefit from the agency’s efforts, but also the economy and the environment, too.
Meanwhile, in Cebu City, the MMDA and the CTTMO have a local counterpart: the Cebu City Transport Office. Check out this article to learn more about it!