By Eva C. Visperas

 

WE often complain about the horrendous traffic jams in Dagupan City, grumbling about policemen, traffic enforcers, and fellow drivers who contribute to the chaos.

But have you tried driving through San Carlos City lately?

Traffic flow in San Carlos, my beloved home for over 10 years, where I attended school from elementary through high school in the 70s and 80s, has become increasingly chaotic.

The traffic situation in San Carlos City has reached a crisis point, with congestion becoming a daily frustration for commuters and residents alike. What should be a short trip has turned into an ordeal that wastes precious time — sometimes stretching for hours. This chronic gridlock is not just inconvenient; it’s costing residents valuable hours that could be better spent at work, resting, or enjoying quality time with family. It also means lost productivity for workers, students, and entrepreneurs alike.

Over the past few months, I received multiple complaints from San Carlos residents about the worsening road conditions. Friends and family members have warned me to avoid certain areas — near the Speaker Eugenio Perez National Agricultural School, Town Center, Magic Mall, and the main market area. Even the roads leading to Barangay Ilang and around the city plaza are becoming a nightmare, especially during peak hours.

The situation worsens during rush hour, with traffic crawling along the city’s main roads. I didn’t take these warnings seriously at first. I thought it might just be a problem during market day, Saturday. Since I I don’t frequently pass through San Carlos, I couldn’t see the full picture.

Until two weeks ago, when I had a lunch appointment with a balikbayan classmate and her husband, along with a few other friends. That day, I had a firsthand experience of the traffic gridlock, and it was eye-opening.

I’m usually punctual for my appointments, but this time I was caught in the mess because I ignored the repeated warnings. The trip from the gas station near San Carlos Town Center to the restaurant along Rizal St. took longer than my entire drive from Dagupan to San Carlos. I thought perhaps there was an accident causing the delay — but there wasn’t.
“I told you,” my friend remarked, after hearing about my ordeal. “Yeah, that’s the real situation now,” added another, who works at City Hall. It became clear that the traffic problem was no longer a rare occurrence — it was now a daily struggle.

San Carlos City has boomed significantly, and no one can deny that. The population has increased, businesses have flourished, and the demand for better transportation infrastructure has never been more urgent.

While there has been rapid economic expansion, the city’s streets remain stuck in the past, unable to handle the growing volume of vehicles — cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles.

The traffic congestion is not just about inconvenience or frustration. It’s a drain on the local economy. The longer people spend stuck in traffic, the less productive they are. It’s also a problem for the environment, with more cars emitting higher levels of pollution.

San Carlos deserves better, and it’s time for our local government to step up. These problems are not insurmountable, but they will require bold, forward-thinking leadership.

Mr. Mayor Ayoy, the time for piecemeal solutions and temporary fixes has passed. We need a comprehensive, long-term traffic management strategy that addresses the growing needs of our dear San Carlos City.

As another rush hour grinds to a halt in the heart of San Carlos City, with the honking horns and frustrated drivers becoming all too familiar, one question lingers: When will our city’s traffic nightmare finally be addressed?

Mr. Mayor Ayoy, the city is waiting for you. The clock is ticking. It’s time for action.

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