Resurgence of rail

The Philippines is in the midst of a “railway renaissance”– this was the statement made by President Marcos  during his third State of the Nation Address, as he lauded the mass transit projects that the country is undertaking, with the goal of improving accessibility and interconnectivity.

Ongoing projects include the Metro Manila Subway, the North-South Commuter Railway, and the Light Rail Transit 1 (LRT-1) extension, both of which are expected to significantly alleviate traffic congestion and boost economic growth upon completion.

Several months ago, President Marcos, mentioned that the only way to decongest Metro Manila traffic is through a mass transit system. He further noted that in other countries, even the rich who have the means choose to ride the train as it is the fastest way to reach their destination.

I am a firm believer that a well-designed rail network is the most efficient, affordable, and effective solution for mass transportation. It also plays a crucial role in reducing traffic congestion on our roads. According to a study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, traffic congestion in Metro Manila costs the economy P3.5 billion per day, amounting to almost P1.27 trillion in annual losses.

During my recent trip to New York, I have come to realize that our rail network still needs a lot of work to drastically improve the commuting experience of many Filipinos and reach the standards of more progressive cities. In fact, this is an understatement.

Our country currently relies heavily on road transport, which is often congested and prone to delays. Picture Metro Manila’s main thoroughfares, like EDSA and C5, on a typical weekday. Flooding and traffic problems worsen the situation, leading to significant unproductive time spent on the road.

Trains on the other hand, offer a better alternative mode of transportation- more sustainable, faster, and in my view a more reliable option.

While we still have a long way to go before having a rail network like those of Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Thailand and Singapore, I am confident that we are moving towards the right direction.

The development of an effective rail system is not without its challenges. However, with strategic planning, careful coordination, strong political will, and robust public-private partnerships, the country can overcome these obstacles.

In addition to expanding the country’s rail network, I believe that it is also crucial to give priority to the maintenance and improvement of our existing lines. Thankfully, the private sector is actively collaborating with the government to ensure this.

Earlier this year, the consortium of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and Japan’s Sumitomo Corp. submitted an unsolicited proposal to rehabilitate, operate, and maintain the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3). The proposal also includes the needed works to allow through-train-operations to connect the MRT-3 with the LRT-1.

San Miguel Corp. is currently collaborating with the government on the MRT-7 project, which will connect Quezon City to Bulacan once operational.

Developing an efficient and effective rail network has become an urgent necessity to keep pace with the country’s economic growth trajectory. An operative and well-functioning rail system is a stimulant for progress, and it serves as a cornerstone for sustainable and inclusive growth. By bridging the gap between rural and urban areas, it paves the way for the creation of new business hubs across the country. Consequently, this fosters job creation and boosts tourism.

Beyond the economic benefits, an expanded rail network will likewise enhance the daily commute for millions of Filipinos as this provides a faster and more convenient mode of transportation.

As the country moves forward, the expansion of the Philippine rail network should not be viewed as a mere infrastructure project, but more of a strategic investment in the nation’s sustained economic growth and development.

An efficient and effective rail network has the potential to positively transform mass transportation, promote environmental sustainability, and accelerate economic growth, ultimately benefiting all Filipinos. The clock is ticking, and we must act now.