Subway in Manila: Coming soon?

Cherrie Regalado

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A feasibility study is underway for a subway system to help ease traffic in Metro Manila

EASING TRAFFIC. A subway system is being mulled as part of studies to ease traffic in the capital. File photo by Charles Salazar/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – A subway system is being considered to help ease traffic in Metro Manila, Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said.

At an economic briefing on Tuesday, September 17, Abaya said his the transportation and public works departments are working with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which began the feasibility study for a subway in August. The study will be finished in 4 to 6 months.

LIVE BLOG: Philippine economic briefing 2013

“Given the population and the size of Metro Manila, we are ready for subways,” he told an audience of over 1,200.

Possible location of the subway may be aligned with EDSA, one of the main thoroughfares in the capital.

“The alignment of EDSA being away from flooded areas and earthquake areas will be ideal line for north-to-south movement,” Abaya said.

He noted that lack of road and air space may be the biggest constraints in building the subway.

Abaya said cost and funding for the possible infrastructure project yet has to be determined. “[The] subway is still in infancy stage, “ Abaya said.

It will complement the following:

“It (subway) is cheaper to implement and probably can carry same capacity of rail systems,” he said.

Previously, the JICA said they are coming up with a traffic roadmap for Metro Manila soon. 

About 70% of Metro Manila residents use public transportation.

Abaya mentioned the subway plans when someone from the audience asked about what the government is doing about the traffic woes in the capital. – Rappler.com

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