Motorists often question why traffic lights across Bacolod City are not in operation. I presume traffic authorities find it best to manually control traffic at the more congested intersections. If a traffic enforcer has the skills to properly balance movement as an intersection, sure; but it is not good to have no traffic lights because they control and balance vehicular flow. In a column published last month entitled “Roads and trees,” I noted: When traffic lights are installed, traffic is slower; when the traffic lights are switched off, movement is much faster.
When it comes to traffic lights, there are some defects, such as the elimination of left turns, as exhibited in Barangay Sum-ag, along with the intersections of Lizares and Lacson Streets and North Drive and Lacson Street, among others. In addition, the intersection of Araneta Avenue and Alijis Road works best without traffic lights (in the aforementioned column, I pointed out, “A traffic light is not necessary there”).
One sad mistake made by traffic authorities was the revision of parking positions along San Juan Street. In the said column, I also appealed to local officials: “Bring diagonal, nose-in parking back to San Juan Street, between Gonzaga and Luzuriaga Streets (even better if toll parking were to be imposed in some areas). This is a busy street but it is wide and diagonal parking would not be a problem—believe me.”
The stretch of road between Plaza Mart and the Sea Breeze Hotel was initially designed for diagonal, nose-in parking as it can accommodate more vehicles.
Traffic authorities should not just restrict parking but provide areas for parking.
Another serious issue that fails to receive attention are provincial buses and jeepneys from southern localities lacking a proper location to unload passengers. For the past four years, the city has yet to see an effective system implemented—so sad.
This column intends to serve as a wake-up call and reminder of the BETTER things officials can do for the community. However, considering it is mid-December and no traffic plans for the holiday season have been unveiled, the intended solution is likely “bahala na kayo.”

***
This column greets Manolet Lamata, Lito Aves, Armand Angeles, Tony Agustin, Johanna Alunan, Jennifer Palmares-Fong, Natalie Lim, Mimir Guanco, Doc Vir Duyongco, Dan Atayde, Charles Dumancas, and CJ Dabao /WDJ