Photo by Bicol Standard
Gridlock at 5 by Kim and Laika
On mornings, smart commuters catch the first sunup trips of jeepneys. Smarter commuters hitchhike with co-workers, schoolmates, or friendly neighbors. These smart ones steer clear from proof of the rapid-growing population of vehicles. While automobile businesses drag the quota of down payments lower, consumer demands grow higher. Now, almost every household owns at least one vehicle for private use, from motorcycles to SUVs. On evenings, at the strike of rush hour, these vehicles gather in the streets; some wait at the stagnant drives and others park at the extended roads. Stoplights blink uselessly as the traffic enforcers bend the flow of automobiles from four-crossed lanes. The lines of cars seem to go on the endless relay.