The traffic congestion in Metro Manila’s major roads will not be solved in the near-term period, but the government and the private sector must immediately start building new roads and transportation systems to avoid a paralysis in the capital region.
Relevant government agencies on their part should not waste time deliberating on and reviewing infrastructure plans proposed by the private sector.
One conglomerate has proposed to develop a bus rapid transit system along Metro Manila Skyway, which will run from Susana Heights in Muntinlupa City to Balintawak in Quezon City. It’s a novel project that deserves a quick response from the government.
San Miguel Corp. offered to deploy electric buses for the proposed BRT system and invite bus operators to join the project. The BRT system is actually in sync with what the government earlier planned. The Duterte administration early in its term announced it was looking at building BRT systems in Metro Manila, Davao and Cebu to resolve traffic congestion in these areas.
The BRT system features dedicated bus lanes that aim to combine the capacity and speed of a rail train. It was first launched in 1974 in Curitiba, Brazil and gained popularity in the rest of Latin America. Over 34-million passengers worldwide now use BRT everyday.
Indonesia’s TransJakarta operates the longest BRT route in the world, with the transportation system stretching 210 kilometers and connecting Jakarta.
New elevated and other toll roads and rail transit, meanwhile, must be pursued and be given priority by the government. They will not only decongest the capital region and significantly reduce travel time”•they will also contribute to the development of the countryside.
The construction of more toll roads speeds up the flow of goods from the rural areas. A faster travel time encourages increased production and eventually creates more jobs. Such projects also give the government a shot at improving the income of farmers and fishermen in the countryside, and make economic growth more inclusive.