Rail networks and efficiency

During his third State of the Nation Address last month, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the Philippines is in the midst of a “railway renaissance” with the different ongoing mass transit projects expected to improve the country’s interconnectivity.

Among these ongoing projects are the Metro Manila Subway, the North-South Commuter Railway, and the Light Rail Transit 1 (LRT-1) extension, which are expected to significantly contribute to traffic management and boost economic growth once completed.

This is not the first time that President Marcos has highlighted the importance of an effective mass transit system. A few months ago, he also mentioned that the only way to decongest Metro Manila traffic is through a mass transit system, noting that in other countries—even the affluent ones ride the train.

I have long shared the view that a well-designed rail network is the best for mass transport—efficient, affordable, and effective. Moreover, it would help lessen traffic congestion on our roads. Based on a study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Metro Manila traffic congestion costs the economy PHP3.5 billion per day—around PHP1.27 trillion per year in losses.

I recently traveled to New York and I realized that our rail network still needs a lot of work to drastically improve the commute experience of many Filipinos and be at par with the likes of more progressive cities. That is in fact an understatement.

Currently, our country is heavily reliant on road transport which is often congested and prone to delays. Imagine EDSA and C5 on a weekday.

Trains however offer an alternative since it is more sustainable, faster, and in my view a more reliable option.

While we still have a long way to go before having a rail network like those of Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Thailand, and Singapore, I can say that we are moving in the right direction.

Of course, the development of an effective rail network is not without challenges. But with strategic planning, careful coordination, strong political will, and public-private partnerships, the country can surely overcome these challenges.

Beyond expanding the country’s rail network, emphasis should also be given to the maintenance and improvement of our current rail lines. Thankfully, the private sector is actively working with the government on this.

Earlier this year, the consortium of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) and Japan’s Sumitomo Corp. submitted an unsolicited proposal to rehabilitate, operate, and maintain the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3). The proposal also includes the needed works to allow through-train-operations to connect the MRT-3 with the LRT-1.

San Miguel Corp. meanwhile is working with the government on MRT-7. Once operational, the train line will connect Quezon City to Bulacan.

Given our country’s economic growth trajectory, an efficient and effective rail network has become an urgent necessity to match and sustain this.

An effective rail network will help propel the country to greater progress as this is seen to be a key in sustainable, inclusive growth—bridging the gap between rural and urban areas by paving the way for the development of more business hubs around the country. This in turn will enable job creation and help boost tourism as well.

Beyond the economic benefits, an expanded rail network will ultimately benefit commuters—providing them with a faster, and more convenient mode of transportation.

As we move forward, investing in the expansion of the Philippine rail network should not be seen as a mere infrastructure project, rather as a strategic investment in the country’s sustained economic growth and development.

An efficient and effective rail network can play a key role in improving mass transportation, promoting environmental sustainability, and accelerating economic growth that can positively benefit all Filipinos. The time is ticking, and we need to move now.

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in the foregoing article are solely the author’s and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of the Philippine News Agency (PNA) or any other office under the Presidential Communications Office.