Motorists lament ‘long’drive to city of Baguio

Now that summer is here and the current school year is done, a trip to the City of Pines seems like a perfect idea. For after all, nobody tires of going up to Baguio City year after year especially after the scorching heat of the hot summer months of April and May begins to be felt. Not to mention that Baguio is a cheaper alternative to the beautiful but pricey resorts in the country. Bus fare is also very reasonable.

But we have been hearing about tales of woes from travelers, family and friends who were in Baguio recently. Now it is no longer the usual 6- to 7-hour drive which even include brief stopovers, motorists will have to endure 8 to 9 hours of driving to get to their destination.

“Traffic has become unbearable especially in Tarlac City and in Pangasinan. The ride going up is also bumpy,” travelers to Baguio would say.

Many who had reservations for the recent Holy Week have canceled their bookings for fear of the “long” drive to Baguio or had otherwise expressed willingness to leave their points of origin early dawn.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has reopened to vehicular traffic the 45-kilometer Kennon Road, the shortest route to Baguio, which underwent rehabilitation and was completed before the Flower Festival.

Those planning to go to Baguio are thinking whether concerned agencies could do something about the traffic that has worsened thru the years. Or is that wishful thinking?