PHL eyes subway system to beef up public transportation

(Updated 1:42 p.m.) The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is studying various ways of addressing the public transportation problem in Metro Manila, including the creation subway system, its top official said Tuesday. 

 

"We're doing a study with the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) to build a subway," Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said during the Philippine Economic Briefing in Pasay City.

 

"Given the population, demand, and the size of Metro Manila we are ready for subways," he said, noting available technologies make a subway system in the capital region possible. 

 

The DOTC chief said the feasibility study is being funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Japan agency in charge of official development assistance programs. 

 

Abaya, however, said the idea of "a subway system is still in its infancy."

 

A skeletal system running underneath EDSA, arguably the key thoroughfare of Metro Manila, may be pursued, said Abaya. 

 

DOTC is also studying the possibility of implementing a bus rapid transport (BRT) system, but is faced with the problem of limited road space. "We need to put more lanes for buses if we'll implement a BRT," according to the DOTC official. 

 

Abaya said the implementation of a BRT system "will definitely come ahead of subways." The department would first present a Cebu BRT system for National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) board approval. 

 

Feasibility studies for BRT systems in three Metro Manila areas – C5, Ortigas and Quezon Avenues – are also being finalized. 

 

"Mass transport and rail is the way to go for any metropolis, like Metro Manila," said Abaya.  

 

Some 70 percent of Metro Manila residents take public transport and the challenge is providing an  efficient public transport network, according to the Transportation official. 

 

"The biggest challenge is that we're playing catch up. But I'm not naming names, just moving forward and working," he added. – VS, GMA News