If the national government does not implement interventions, Metro Manila’s traffic mayhem could balloon to P6 billion a day by 2030 in terms of productivity losses, according to a study made by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica).
Jica said this was nearly three times or 2.5 times the current estimated losses of P2.4 billion a day.
The study also stated that without intervention, the demand for improvements in traffic could increase by 13 percent in less than two decades. This also means that households need to spend no less than 20 percent of their monthly income just for transport.
“The study shows possible ideas, technologies and strategies that can help the Philippines address traffic congestion and air pollution in Metro Manila. Jica hopes to work with the government in implementing some of these ideas to help improve mobility, and the quality of life of people in Metro Manila, and its surrounding areas,” Jica Philippines Senior Representative Eigo Azukizawa said.
Jica said these interventions drawn up under the transport road map, or “Dream Plan,” of Metro Manila should cost the Philippines P4.76 trillion starting this year until 2030.
It said around P539 billion must be invested in traffic infrastructure beginning 2014 up to 2016, and another P1.52 trillion must be invested from 2017 to 2022. The biggest investment requirement was seen in the period 2023 to 2030, costing at least P2.69 trillion.
These investments, Jica said, will translate to a reduction in transport fares and reduced travel time.
Jica estimated that the average transport fare of P42 by a commuter today should be reduced to only P24 due to improved connectivity and a common fare system after the interventions are put in place.
Further, Jica said travel time was also likely to be reduced from 80 minutes per trip to just 31 minutes.
“Efficient public-transport system is a pro-poor investment as it provides reasonable ways of moving. As well, it enables people to commute from suburban areas, where one can afford housing in a more spacious and safer area,” Azukizawa said.
The Dream Plan involves the creation of a modern, affordable, and a well-coordinated and integrated transport system for Mega Manila by 2030.
The road map emphasizes the need to establish better north-south connectivity and appropriate hierarchy of different transportation modes, such as roads, railways and other mass transits.
It also recommends planned and guided urban expansion to adjoining provinces through an integrated public transport and affordable housing for low-income groups.
The road map, likewise, includes retrofitting of existing urban areas in integration with public transport, expanding multimodal public transport networks and strengthening traffic management systems.
“By alleviating traffic, the Philippines can have more space for dynamic business and investment growth, and encourage economic activities in other areas outside Metro Manila in a sustainable way,” Azukizawa said.
Overall, the plan aims to spread economic activities to other potential growth areas, including balancing development of agriculture, manufacturing and services.
It also aims to protect prime agricultural areas for food security, avoid urban sprawl in hazard-risk areas, promote growth of regional centers, strengthening connectivity, and improve public transport services, and logistics.