Happy New Year, Chicdriven readers! As we bid farewell to 2023, a year with more plot twists than my last attempt at parallel parking, let’s gear up for 2024 with a dream wishlist. As a visioning advocate, manifesting your dreams is the first step to making them come true. So, in these early days of 2024, allow me to share with you a vision. 
Cleaner energy for a sparkling future: Remember when the biggest worry about electric cars was range anxiety? Well, in 2024, we’re dreaming more considerable – cleaner energy sources! Electrification is fabulous, but it’s akin to mixing diet soda with rum if our electricity still comes from fossil fuels. Here’s to renewable energy sources powering our EVs, so we can drive guilt-free under our beautiful, smog-less Filipino skies!
Educated roads, happier commutes: I’ve realized that traffic jams often result from inconsiderate drivers who overtake everyone in the turning lane, as if it’s a race, or those who think their garage extends to any road their four wheels are parked on. This year, let’s advocate for better education for road users, focusing on courtesy. The streets will be better if people are kinder.
Carpool coolness: Remember the pandemic-era company shuttles? Let’s bring that team spirit back! Companies in the same building should start carpool clubs. It’s like a work party on wheels, minus the awkward small talk with the boss. Fewer cars, more friends, and less of the “I-spent-three-hours-in-traffic” face. It’s a great way to connect and meet new friends (wink-wink).
Carbon offsetting – Drive and thrive: We’re not saying goodbye to cars yet, but let’s make driving a guilt-free affair. How much does it cost to do an ocean cleanup? Or tree planting? Here’s hoping the automotive industry will focus on carbon offsetting, and teach people to be fuel-efficient, with the same enthusiasm they have in creating motor show displays.
Nationwide road rule revolution: In my trips to Batangas, it’s surprising that (among motorbike riders,) no one bothers wearing helmets. They’re usually spotted at the Tagaytay and Nasugbu border. I suspect this is the same elsewhere in the provinces. Let’s make road safety a nationwide affair. We need enforcement beyond the metro, ensuring everyone’s noggin is as protected as their Instagram profile.
Public transport glow-up: What would it take for everyone in charge of infrastructure to meet and agree on one grand design? We have the color-coding scheme, which led people to buy more cars for their coded days. We have trains that don’t connect to bus stops. We have overpasses that you need to be a marathoner to climb. You get the idea.
Maybe the government needs to find someone good at the games ‘Parking Lot’ and ‘Tic-Tac-Toe’, so they can figure out how to connect all the roads and public transportation into something that makes sense with the commuters in mind, and not just for show.
Pedestrian paradise: When we’re abroad, it’s so easy to rack up 12,000, 15,000, or even 20,000 steps. Why? Because we walk everywhere. I’m talking about broad, shaded sidewalks, pedestrian-only zones in city centers, and crosswalks where cars stop. People might walk more if we can figure out a way to make walking in the city pleasant and not a stressful dodgeball game.
Bike lanes to fame: With the rise of cycling, let’s turn those makeshift bike lanes into permanent, safe cycling havens. It’s time for bike lanes that are more than paint on the road – I’ve seen some lanes divided with small concrete blocks, which can be dangerous if a car doesn’t see them. We have seen successful bike lanes abroad. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel.
Remember, dreaming is free. So manifest away! What’s your wishlist for 2024? Happy New Year, and may your roads be as smooth as your driving!
