The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is ramping up efforts to address Metro Manila’s traffic congestion by prioritizing the completion of major mass transit projects.
This initiative aims to provide commuters with comfortable and efficient alternatives to private vehicles, ultimately reducing traffic volume.
Transport Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said the long term solution to traffic is finishing ongoing rail projects such as the Metro Manila Subway, the North-South Commuter Railway, MRT-7 and LRT-1 Cavite Extension, among others.
“Ang solution natin pang long term ay pagkumpleto ng infrastructure projects,” Bautista said.
“Instead of bringing their cars, they (car owners) can just take these trains, which will be very comfortable and efficient,” he added.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of mass transit systems during a recent Bagong Pilipinas Townhall Meeting.
Citing data from National Economic and Development Authority and the Department of Finance, Marcos highlighted the significant economic losses – P4.9 billion daily – attributed to traffic congestion.
“Ang tanging sagot dito (traffic) talaga ay ‘yung mga mass transit system, kaya’t ‘yun ay aming minamadali. ‘Yun ay aming gagawing priority. Hanggang ngayon ay priority ang mga imprastraktura kontra sa trapiko,” Marcos said.
Bautista also cited the 30-year Philippine Railway Master Plan in the Greater Capital Region that will contain plans for various rail systems for Metro Manila and throughout the country.
Under the masterplan, the Government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), will continue to invest in the country’s railway infrastructure expansion for the next 30 years.
As for immediate solutions to help ease traffic, Sec. Bautista said DOTr is improving the efficiency of the EDSA Busway system as well as the continued rehabilitation of MRT-3, LRT 1 and 2.
“Makakatulong po ito sa problema natin dito sa traffic,” he said.