DOTr mulls cable car system in Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Transportation is looking at putting up cable cars in Metro Manila, as well as in Boracay and Baguio to provide alternative transport options amid congestion on roads.

Transport Undersecretary for rails Noel Kintanar told reporters the department is conducting studies for putting up cable cars to address the worsening traffic on roads.  “We’re doing the studies,” he said.

According to the 100 Days Accomplishment Report of the Transport department, the areas of Pasig River, Boracay and Baguio have been identified for the operations of the cable cars.

The department is also exploring the possibility of securing technical assistance or funding for a feasibility study for the cable cars from the French government.

Earlier, Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade said operating cable cars in Metro Manila could be among the solutions to the country’s traffic woes. 

He said the Philippines could learn from the experience of Bolivia which used the cable car system to help address the country’s horrendous traffic.

Apart from providing another transport option, he said the cable cars would also have scenic purposes. 

A 2012 study of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) estimates the Philippine economy is losing P2.4 billion per day due to traffic congestion. 

Without intervention, the JICA expects the losses to increase to P6 billion a day by 2030. 

To address the country’s land and air traffic crisis, President Duterte is asking to be granted emergency powers from the Congress.

Tugade said earlier the emergency powers would only be in place for two years, allowing the national government to implement a unified traffic scheme, open private subdivisions to traffic, as well as allow the takeover of certain properties necessary for traffic or other transportation requirements.