MMDA bats for metro subway anew

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Friday supported anew a plan to create a subway system for Metro Manila.

MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino said a subway system in Metro Manila could ease the current tight traffic situation in the metro.

"There are plans to have a subway done by Japan, it is in the works," Tolentino said, referring to a study done by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) saying that a Metro Manila subways project is "economically viable." 

Tolentino said the establishment of a mass subway system is part of the P2.3-trillion transportation infrastructure plan  for Metro Manila which was presented to the Cabinet by JICA in February this year.

The subway line, which according to JICA will range from 40 to 70 kilometers and will connect Bulacan to Cavite province, is expected to be done in phases to further enhance its economic benefits for the country.

Tolentino noted that the subway system will be a "big help" in solving the "unmanageable traffic" in Metro Manila.

"When you speak of modernization, I think big corporations should also be in play because the government probably might find it long and difficult to shoulder the cost of a mass transit system," he added.

Tolentino said flooding will not be an issue with the putting up a subway system in Metro Manila with proper planning.

"Flooding will not be an issue, even if you dig 10 or 30 meters below the grade of Edsa, but we need huge investment aside from the 2.6 trillion mentioned by the dream plan," said Tolentino.