A proposal to implement a congestion fee in Baguio City to manage traffic congestion has sparked controversy among residents and tourists. The congestion fee, presented by Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., would charge up to P250 during peak hours to deter drivers from congested areas. The company also proposed a P2.5-billion “smart mobility system” to improve traffic flow in the city. However, the high fee and additional charges for a new public transport terminal have faced backlash on social media.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong assured the public that these proposals are still under negotiation and not yet enforceable. The legal basis for the congestion fee was discussed in 2023 and deemed acceptable under the general welfare clause of the Local Government Code. With Baguio’s roads originally built for a population of 25,000, the current population of over 366,000 has led to severe congestion issues. The city’s master plan for smart mobility aims to address these challenges by introducing various automated traffic management systems.
While the proposed congestion fee and other measures aim to alleviate traffic congestion in Baguio, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on residents and tourists. The city continues to seek input from citizens to ensure that their voices are integrated into the decision-making process.
