MAP bats for subway to complement MRT-3

MANILA, Philippines -- The Management Association of the Philippines on Monday welcomed and expressed support for a multi-line subway system now being considered for Metro Manila by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

 

According to the MAP, the proposed subway project provides the catalyst for both the public and private sectors to focus and engage in a discourse on this ultimate mass transit option. Most large cities in Asia and elsewhere have subways and Metro Manila, although already a megalopolis, is a notable exception, the group said.

 

In a statement, MAP has proposed that the subway project be implemented on EDSA as the priority line for fast-track planning and implementation starting from North Avenue to Makati to run under and complement the MRT3.

 

“This can be part of an overall urban improvement plan to transform EDSA into a world-class efficient, less-vehicle centric, calmer and pleasant tree-lined pedestrian friendly avenue. A presidential executive order to this effect will be helpful for planners and prospective proponents to provide focus and impetus. This EDSA subway can be named 'Mabuhay Metro Line 1' to signify a resurgent Philippines,” said Eduardo Yap, governor-in-charge for MAP’s Traffic, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

 

According to MAP, the subway project on EDSA was first floated by now DOTr Undersecretary Noel Kintanar. The initial proposal, MAP said, called for the revival of the previously planned east-west oriented subway traversing under EDSA to serve Taguig BGC, Ayala Center and Mall of Asia in Pasay as one of the possible lines to comprise the Metro Manila subway system.

 

“Mass transit linking these three bustling growth nodes makes good sense. In the review of the viability of this line, the low ridership count may be a factor to consider. An added challenge is the thorny legal issue of subterranean rights under the many private properties that the line, by necessity, have to be traversed,” the MAP said in its statement.

 

“Until ridership is shown to reach the critical mass and property value enhancements are sufficient to render this east-west subway line viable such that private investors are willing to undertake the project without government subsidy, Undersecretary Kintanar may want to consider other equally effective but more doable mass transit options in the review process. In most instances, governments here and abroad provide a subsidy to augment operating revenues. Such is the case with the MRT3,” the MAP added.

 

It will be recalled that MAP released in August 26, 2015 an ‘EDSA Dream Plan’ as part of the holistic transportation and traffic plan for the National Capital Region, which among various other recommendations, called for a commuter subway under EDSA.

 

According to the MAP, a subway would provide the most efficient mass transit to complement the MRT3 in the densest traffic corridor of Metro Manila without causing disturbance to the above-ground environment.-- Mike Frialde