Did you know that the city of General Trias in Cavite province used to be called San Francisco de Malabon? Eventually, it was renamed after Mariano Trias, who is considered as the first vice president of the revolutionary government, which was established in 1898.
These days, General Trias is a first class city, with a population of more than 450,000 as of 2020. Everyday, tricycles, jeepneys, buses, and other means of transportation ply the city’s roads. And similar to how the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) manages traffic and transportation in Manila, the City Traffic Management and Road Safety Division does the same for General Trias.
What is City Traffic Management and Road Safety Division?
The General Trias City Traffic Management and Road Safety Division is a government unit that has the sole authority to formulate, coordinate, and implement regulations with standards relating to transport and traffic management.
Sections and Functions
Based on City Ordinance No. 20-08 (Special), which created the City Traffic Management Division of the General Trias City Government, the division has three sections, whose functions are:
Traffic Management Section. This is responsible for enforcing rules and regulations, as well as participating in the formulation of guidelines for the improvement of traffic flow in the city.
Road Safety Section. This section is responsible for ensuring the protection of citizens who are using the road network from serious injury and death.
Administrative Section. This section is responsible for providing administrative services relating to administrative records management, property and supply management, general services, engineering, and other logistics.
Traffic Advisories
Aside from managing traffic and enforcing rules and regulations, the City Traffic Management and Road Safety Division occasionally issues advisories regarding special events, construction and rehabilitation, and other safety reminders.
Special Events
In preparation for special events and occasions, the City Traffic Management and Road Safety Division releases advisories to ensure the smooth flow of traffic in the city. For example, last February 2024, it announced road closures and traffic diversions as part of the Post-Valentine Concert that was held at Plaza Rizal (Poblacion).
Similarly, the City Traffic Management and Road Safety Division issued advisories prior to these events: the Brigada Eskwela Kick Off “Jog-a-Thon” last July 23, and the Grand Marian Procession last September 7, 2024. Motorists and commuters were advised to take alternate routes during these events, to avoid inconvenience.
Constructions and Rehabilitation
Whenever there’s a construction or rehabilitation activity, the City Traffic Management and Road Safety Division posts advisories, as well. Last May 2024, for instance, it announced lane closure at Gov. Juanito R. Remulla Sr. Road due to asphalt overlay.
Also in May, changes in the traffic scheme were posted, in relation to the construction of the bridge connecting Barangays Vibora and Sta. Clara. And more recently, due to drainage rehabilitation at Barangay Manggahan last August 2024, motorists were once again advised and urged to take alternate routes when necessary.
Safety Reminders
During times when crowds and heavy traffic are expected, the City Traffic Management and Road Safety Division issues safety reminders. Last Holy Week 2024, for example, it announced road safety reminders for both drivers and pedestrians.
For Drivers:
- Check your vehicle’s condition.
- Know and follow road regulations.
- Wear your seatbelts.
- Wear proper helmet on a motorcycle.
- Stay alert, avoid destructions.
- Know how to react in case of road crash.
- Observe the speed limits.
- Watch out for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Stay sober! Do not drink and drive.
- Yield to pedestrian’s walk-ways and crossings.
For Pedestrians:
- Cross in pedestrians’ walk-ways whenever possible.
- Use sidewalks.
- Watch for turning vehicles.
- Make eye-contact with the driver when crossing.
- Stay on well-lighted areas during the night.
Transportation Rules
When it comes to transportation policies, here are some of the city’s rules, based on laws and ordinances posted on the City Traffic Management and Road Safety Division’s Facebook page:
Tricycle Ban on National Highways
City Ordinance No. 21-71, which regulates the operation of tricycles and pedicabs states that such vehicles are banned on national highways, namely Centennial Highway and Governors Drive.
That being said, tricycles and pedicabs may use these portions of the national roads, provided that they use the outer lanes only:
- Tejero Intersection – from General Trias Drive (Malabon) going to Tejeros Convention (Rosario) and vice versa;
- San Juan II – Tejero Diversion Road (Robinsons) and vice versa;
- Bacao Access Road to Savemore Bacao and vice versa;
- Manggahan Bypass Road going to Dona Juana Lumunsad Road and vice versa; and
- Genstar to Santusan and vice versa.
Rule violators are subject to pay a fine of: PHP 1,000 (first offense); PHP 1,500 (second offense); and PHP 2,000 (third offense).
No to Colorum Tricycles
Commuters are warned against riding colorum tricycles, or those who do not have a sticker issued by the city government’s Tricycle Franchising Regulatory Unit, and are therefore operating illegally.
According to the City Traffic Management and Road Safety Division, it is necessary for a tricycle to have a franchise because this:
- Indicates that the tricycle has undergone inspection and has been checked for road safety/worthiness;
- Indicates that the tricycle follows the fare matrix issued by the local authorities; and
- Enables easy location of the tricycle, in cases where: (a) you left an important item inside; (b) an accident happens; (c) the vehicle was used in a crime; and (d) the tricycle or driver needs to be reported.
Guidelines for Electric Vehicles
With more and more people using electric vehicles, the City Traffic Management and Road Safety Division has began implementing City Odinance No. 22-07 (General), which regulates the operation of electric vehicles in all types of roads within General Trias.
Some of these rules are as follows:
- Electric Mobility Scooters (2-3 wheels) are restricted to private and barangay roads only. Operators must wear a bicycle/motorcycle helmet. Driver’s license is not required.
- Electric Scooters/E-trikes (2-3 wheels) are restricted to outmost parts of local roads. Operators must wear a bicycle/motorcycle helmet (2 wheels). Driver’s license is required.
- Electric Tri/Quad Vehicles (3-4 wheels) are allowed to go beyond barangay, local, and tertiary (provincial) roads. They can pass national roads for the purpose of crossing only. Driver’s license is required.
Contact Information: City Traffic Management and Road Safety Division
For those who have questions or concerns on transportation and traffic in General Trias, you can get in touch with the City Traffic Management and Road Safety Division through these contact details:
Address: City Hall Grounds, Bagumbayan St., General Trias, 4107 Cavite
Telephone: (046) 509 5068 / 046 884 5538
Email: ctmo@generaltrias.gov.ph
Website: https://generaltrias.gov.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trafficmanagementandroadsafetydivisionGTC/
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
General Trias is among the fastest-growing cities in the country, so it is not surprising that traffic management is necessary. Thanks to the City Traffic Management and Road Safety Division, motorists and pedestrians can expect smooth flow of transportation in the city.
Meanwhile, in other parts of the Philippines, other road authorities have similar jobs. In General Santos City, for examples, there’s the City Transportation and Traffic Management Department (CTTMD).