Annoying Transpo

There is something so annoying about transportation in Manila or anywhere in the Philippines. This concerns the noise pollution that is created unnecessarily by passenger vehicles (buses and jeepney especially) in which the drivers and manufacturers took pride in having  very loud exhaust system. Sarao, Chariot and other brands. Those made in Santa Rosa if I’m not wrong (most of the drivers in metro manila know where these annoying mufflers are made) are the worst as far as I know.

The noise level is disturbing at day time and worse at night time when people are going to sleep. For me very loud exhaust system designed by manufacturers benefits no one but threatens the well being of the commuters and the population in general.  I am not an expert on acoustics but this link may provide some info about noise ang it’s effect on everyone’s health http://www.epa.gov/history/topics/noise/01.htm.

To be specific I will mention just few – people who live along the passenger vehicle route (day time and worse at night), Educational institutions along main roads, government and private offices along main roads, hospitals, etc. A study in londos showed commuters working the the office exposed to high noice level have lower concentration than those not exposed to it hence it lessen productivity. I appreciate very much the efforts done about the clean air and I would like to see this little issue be included in that effort.

In the UK &  Europe research are being made to design the most silent vehicle even though most vehicles produce quite  a low level noice.
I would have thought that some people living in metro manila or any other metropolitan area have noticed it but don’t even have time to think about it since most of our pursuits are focused on how to make a living. I would consider it a great chance to make this observation known by people who could see things in higher perspective. This issue may seem irrelevant to ordinary citizens but I think if anyone reading this will start to spread the awareness of noise and it’s effect on our health we could lobby our politicians to include it in the agenda or to widen/strengthen the scope of the environmental protection laws already existing if there already has. I hope that in the end people would eventually realize that they could be better off without it (noise).

I think the solution is simple and very economical. Manufactures can easily comply if requested or required to design an exhaust system that reduces sound level to the minimum and operators would be happy to comply if they are made to understand the benefits and there are a publicity made about it.

As this issue involves the health and environment, and the transport regulation I hope there is a way MMDA, LTO, DENR and DOH would be made to be aware of this concerns.