The government is considering a new route for the planned P135-billion subway that will link the cities of Pasay, Makati and Taguig.
Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said the government could save as much as P20 billion if the underground segment of the proposed mass transit loop system would pass through the 26th Street in Bonifacio Global City, instead of 32th Street.
“[The P20 billion] is a difference in cost. It will be more expensive if it is located in 32nd. We have to evaluate the risk because we might be brought to court. We might be issued a TRO [temporary restraining order],” Abaya said.
He said the department earlier considered 32nd Street because the “environment is more predictable” but the National Economic Development Authority recommended that the loop pass through 26th Street.
Abaya said the difference in cost was very huge which could be used to fund other social development projects such as schools.
The government last year unveiled the ambitious mass transit loop system aimed at decongesting traffic in Metro Manila and making transportation convenient in the business districts of Makati, Taguig and Pasay.
An underground line or subway at 26th Street would cover stations in Market-Market, McKinley Parkway, 5th Ave., Ayala/Edsa, Ayala Triangle, Makati Post Office, PNR Buendia, Buendia/Taft Ave., World Trade Center, Mall of Asia and Edsa/Taft Ave.
A line ending at the 32nd Street would have stations at Market-Market, St. Lukes Medical Center, MRT3 Buendia, Ayala/Edsa, Ayala Triangle, Makati Post Office, PNR Buendia, Buendia/Taft Ave., World Trade Center, Mall of Asia and Edsa/Taft Ave.