Ways to improve Mega Manila’s transport system

There are three elevated light rail systems plying three different principal routes in Metro Manila. They are intended to cut down travel time, maintain fixed schedules, absorb the greater bulk of the riding public, and provide safety to passengers.

Unfortunately, these advantages have not been achieved: The rolling stock is inadequate—there are not enough coaches to provide transport for the communter population. Road traffic is still a major problem; legitimate and “colorum” buses, jeepneys, motorized and pedal-propelled tricycles,  still clog the streets. (These should have disappeared or considerably reduced in number with the advent of the light rail elevated transport system.) The number coding system has been introduced, but this has not eased the problem; moreover, it deprives car owners of their freedom to travel any time of the week.

The only solution to the problem is to provide more driver passenger coaches for the elevated light rail system within the shortest period possible. This will dramatically replace the buses, jeepneys and three-wheeled units from the principal thoroughfares of Metro Manila. The commuting public will thus be assured of fast and safe travel. With this situation, the number coding system will be removed and the right of vehicle owners to use the streets any day of the week will be restored.

There is no reason why the augmentation of units for the three elevated light railways cannot be accelerated. The government accepted this mode of transport—it cannot and should not allow any delay in its full implementation. In fact, by this time, the existing routes should have already been extended, and more areas in Metro Manila should have been served.

The river ferry system should be considered again as well—this time, seriously. In the past, previous administrations ventured into this mode of passenger transport, but it was only for window-dressing. Metro Manila, Laguna and other areas will benefit greatly by the introduction of the river ferry transport system. Before embarking on this system though, waterways should be dredged, widened and rid of derelicts and obstructions. This system will cut down travel time and serve routes out of the way of existing road networks and the elevated rail systems.

It’s possible that other metropolitan areas in the country are experiencing or will eventually have the same transport problems besetting Metro Manila. Their local administrations should be better apprised of the lessons learned and the solutions applied hereabouts.

—APOLONIO G. RAMOS

42 Mindanao St., Marikina City