Situated in the Central Luzon Region is Olongapo, a first class, highly urbanized city with a population of more than 260,000 as of 2020. Olongapo is geographically located in Zambales province; however, it is governed independently from the province. Parts of the city are within the Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone.
Interestingly, Olongapo City is known for pioneering the color-coded public transportation system, wherein all tricycles and public utility jeepneys (PUJs) follow a color code based on district, zone, or route. Public buses and taxi cabs also operate in the city everyday. Traffic is managed by the Office of Traffic Management and Public Safety (OTMPS), whose functions are quite similar to those of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
What is OTMPS?
Established in 2006, the Office of Traffic Management and Public Safety (OTMPS) is an agency that focuses on implementing the color-coded transport scheme, ensuring the security of government-owned establishments, organizing the public market, and providing traffic enforcement safety in Olongapo City. It operates directly under the Office of the City Mayor.
Previously, the OTMPS was known as the Traffic Management Board. Created in 1985, the board included other agencies such as the City Engineer, City Planning, Transport Commission, and more.
Vision and Mission
Based on its official webite, the vision and mission of the OTMPS are as follows:
Vision. “To be one of the best traffic law enforcement organizations in the Philippines, focused on providing a safe and efficient transportation management system that will be beneficial to our communities; with a strong commitment in implementing traffic safety rules and regulations to ensure the smooth and safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians.”
Mission. “To maintain an orderly and smooth flow of traffic that is safe for both pedestrians and motorists; to minimize/prevent motor vehicle mishaps and any untoward accidents that may result in property damage, injuries or death.”
Objectives
Meanwhile, the OTMPS aims to:
- “Review, assess, and revise traffic procedures at all government roads of Olongapo City;
- Professionalize all aspects of traffic rules and regulations that need to be implemented in present situations;
- Monitor traffic practices and suggest improvement in the overall traffic system; and
- Disseminate information about ordinances related to traffic management, and also to solicit cooperation from the community.”
Functions
As for the OTMPS’ functions, among these are:
- Directing, controlling, and maintaining the orderly/smooth flow of traffic at all intersection and roads;
- Directing, controlling, and maintaining the cleanliness/orderliness in all public markets within Olongapo City;
- Assisting and providing traffic and crowd control during special occasions, calamities, and other similar emergencies;
- Assisting the PNP during: (a) occurrences of traffic accidents; (b) apprehension of street and illegal vendors; (c) maintenance of peace and order and public safety;
- Conducting Defensive Driving Course/Seminars;
- Conducting seminars/workshops/training related to traffic management;
- Entertaining and resolving complaints from the riding public and any concerned citizens pertaining to: (a) accidentally left personal property inside public utility vehicles; (b) overcharging; (c) trip cutting; (d) failure to convey passengers; (e) lack of courtesy to passengers, etc.; and
- Performing other duties that may be assigned by the City Mayor.
City Ordinances
The OTMPS enforces traffic laws and transport-related ordinances daily. Among these ordinances are the truck ban and anti-colorum tricycle operations.
Truck Ban
City Ordinance No. 29, Series of 2015, states details about the Olongapo City Truck Ban. Banned vehicles include those: (a) with six wheels having gross capacity weight of over 4,500 kg; (b) with eight wheels or more; and (c) with two or more axles, such as trailer trucks, wing vans, lorries, etc.
These vehicles are not allowed to travel or be parked along any of the city’s thoroughfares from Monday to Friday on these hours: 6:00 am – 8:00 am, 10:01 am – 2:00 pm, and 4:01 pm – 7:00 pm. Correspondingly, they are allowed to travel during these times: 8:01 am – 10:00 am, 2:01 pm – 4:00 pm, and 7:01 pm – 6:00 am.
The penalties for violating the truck ban are: PHP 1,500 (first offense); PHP 2,500 (second offense); PHP 5,000 and impounding (third offense).
Anti-Colorum Tricycles
City Ordinance No. 02, Series of 2023 prohibits the operation of unregistered or “colorum” tricycles in Olongapo City. The penalties for violating this ordinance are: PHP 5,000 (first offense); PHP 5,000 plus 10 days community service in city offices (second offense); PHP 5,000 plus confiscation and destruction of the sidecar (third offense). In addition, the vehicle shall be impounded with a fee of PHP 180/day.
Road Advisories
From time to time, the OTMPS issues road advisories, particularly when there are accidents, construction, or special events.
Road Accidents
Last August 29, 2024, there was a vehicular accident at Kalaklan National Highway, involving a private tricycle and a Toyota Hilux vehicle. Traffic assistance was provided while the accident was being investigated and cleared.
The same thing was done last October 11, when there was an accident, also at Kalaklan National Highway. The incident involved a PNP unit of Subic and a UV van from Castillejos, Zambales. Four persons had minor injuries and were taken to the hospital. The OTMPS was present to assist during the incident.
Road Construction
The OTMPS announces advisories when there’s road construction or rehabilitation. Last November 2023, for example, it released a road closure advisory during the construction of 20th St. Corner Ibarra and 20th St. Corner Katipunan, in front of the elementary school.
Special Events
Special events that include street parades, religious processions, and the like often require road closure and traffic assistance. One example was the grand parade during Rizal Day/City Fiesta last December 30, 2023. The OTMPD was tasked to maintain traffic along the parade route, and to guide motorists accordingly. Affected PUJ’s were also re-routed to minimize traffic in the area.
Recently, on June 1, 2024, an “Electric Light Parade” and “Kalye Kasiyahan” was held. Once again, a road closure was done, along with re-routing and temporary lifting of the one-way rule in select roads. Motorists were also advised to take alternative routes.
Contact Information: Olongapo City OTMPS
If you have any inquiries, complaints, or concerns for the OTMPDS, you can get in touch with them through these contact details:
Address: Ground Floor, Olongapo City Hall, Arthur Street, Olongapo, 2200 Zambales
Telephone: 047 611 4818
Email: otmpsolongapo@gmail.com
Website: https://www.olongapocity.gov.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OTMPS/
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
As a highly urbanized city, Olongapo experiences moderate to heavy traffic every now and then. Fortunately, the OTMPS is here to help, ensuring the smooth and steady flow of traffic within the city.
In other parts of the country, there are similar road authorities, as well. In Meycauayan, Bulacan, for example, there’s the Meycauayan Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB).