President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has made it clear that the most effective solution against the debilitating effects of chronic traffic congestion in Metro Manila lies in the expansion and enhancement of the country's mass transportation system.
In Wednesday's town hall meeting in San Juan, the President provided a comprehensive update on the government's ongoing mass transit projects, underscoring their critical role in relieving the capital region's gridlock and unlocking its full economic potential.
"There is no better solution than to take commuters off the roads and into mass transport," Marcos asserted, emphasizing the urgency of shifting the burden away from private vehicles and towards efficient, interconnected public transportation.
This statement encapsulates the administration's steadfast commitment to prioritizing mass transit as the linchpin of its strategy to address Metro Manila's longstanding traffic woes.
The President's update painted a compelling picture of the progress being made on several key infrastructure initiatives.
The North-South Commuter Railway project, stretching from Tutuban in Manila to Malolos in Bulacan, is currently 61 percent complete, while the extension project from Malolos to Clark in Pampanga has reached 56.5 percent completion.
These ambitious rail networks, once fully operational, will provide a high-capacity, seamless means of transport for millions of commuters, significantly alleviating the strain on the region's road networks.
Beyond the North-South Commuter Railway, the administration is also making strides in other transformative mass transit projects. The Light Rail Transit Line 1 Cavite extension is nearing 80 percent completion, while the Metro Manila Subway project, the North-South Commuter Railway south extension from Manila to Calamba City, Laguna, and the Unified Grand Central Station in Quezon City are all steadily progressing, with completion rates ranging from 38 percent to 67 percent.
The Unified Grand Central Station, in particular, holds immense promise as a game-changing hub that will connect three of Metro Manila's railway systems, including the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 to San Jose del Monte in Bulacan.
This integration of various transit modes will not only enhance connectivity but also streamline the commuting experience for passengers, making public transportation a more attractive and efficient alternative to private vehicles.
Recognizing the multifaceted nature of the traffic crisis, President Marcos emphasized the need for a "holistic" approach, underscoring the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, including local governments, public utility vehicle operators, traffic enforcers, and law enforcement agencies.
This collaborative spirit reflects the administration's understanding that addressing the traffic problem requires a comprehensive, coordinated effort that encompasses infrastructure development, policy interventions, and stakeholder engagement.
The President's unwavering commitment to mass transit as the primary solution is further underscored by the sobering economic impact of traffic congestion in Metro Manila.
The administration's estimates suggest that the daily loss of P3.5 billion due to traffic jams not only cripples the capital region but also reverberates throughout the neighboring areas, as Metro Manila and its surrounding regions contribute a staggering 60 percent of the Philippines' economy.
Here's a more detailed information on the mass transportation projects:
