Philippines: Congestion charge on EDSA to solve worst-in-the-world traffic nightmare?

Manila: A congestion fee to be charged on Manila's perennially traffic-logged Epifanion delos Santos Avenue (EDSA)?

It's likely to happen soon. That's if the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Romando Artes would have his way.

The official revealed plans to emulate Singapore and impose a "congestion fee" along EDSA.

A congestion charge is a fee imposed on drivers for entering a designated congested area within a city.

An average of 464,000 vehicles took EDSA daily in 2024, MMDA.

Some officials, including Senator Grace Poe, have called on the MMDA to consult the public before imposing the fee on motorists.

EDSA makeover

Meanwhile, the legendary traffic gauntlet known as EDSA, is finally getting the glow-up it deserves.

Starting this March, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will roll out a full-scale rehabilitation project aimed at fixing the highway’s battered roads and chaotic drainage system.

According to MMDA Artes, the government is putting together a "master plan" to keep the inevitable traffic nightmare somewhat under control.

The project was recently discussed with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as part of the larger Comprehensive Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) for Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

First up? The southbound lane, with a target completion date before the upcoming ASEAN events. But let’s be real — EDSA’s infamous gridlock isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

The drainage dilemma

One of the biggest challenges?

EDSA’s outdated drainage system, which will be repaired alongside the roadwork. Artes warns that since it runs along the outer lanes (aka prime real estate for random utility lines), fixing it won’t be a walk in the park.

The MMDA is bracing for impact, knowing full well that even minor repairs on EDSA can trigger epic traffic jams.

Still, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan assures everyone that this project is a top priority for the Marcos administration, alongside other infrastructure upgrades.

Short-term pain, long-term gain?

For years, EDSA has survived on patchwork fixes, but this time, the government is going all in. The goal: Smoother roads, less congestion, and a (hopefully) less frustrating commute for millions of Filipinos.

But before that dream becomes reality, get ready for tougher traffi on this highway. If you’ve been thinking about switching to cycling, now might be the perfect time

Cities with congestion fees:

• Singapore: Pioneered congestion pricing in 1975 and refined it in 1998.

• London: Introduced a congestion charge in 2003.

• Stockholm: Implemented congestion pricing in 2006.

• Milan: Began a congestion charge in 2008.

• Gothenburg: Started congestion pricing in 2013.

• New York City: Implemented congestion pricing in January 2025, becoming the first U.S. city to do so.

• Dubai: The emirate has introduced a congestion charge, which also applies to public parking near event zones during major events. The charge is Dh25 per hour ($6.81), which is higher than the standard parking rate.

• Cities like Durham (UK), Valletta (Malta), and Znojmo (Czech Republic) have also adopted congestion pricing measures.