MAP welcomes construction of multi-line subway in MM

The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) welcomes the government’s plan to build a multi-line subway system for Metro Manila.

“This initiative provides the catalyst for both the public and private sectors to focus and engage in a discourse on this ultimate mass transit option. Most large cities in Asia and elsewhere have subways while MM, although already a megapolis, is the notable exception,” MAP said in a statement yesterday.

The business group proposed that EDSA be used as the priority line for fast track planning and implementation starting from North Avenue to Makati to run under and complement the MRT3.

“This can be part of an overall urban improvement plan to transform EDSA into a world class efficient, lessvehicle centric, calmer and pleasant tree-lined pedestrian friendly avenue. This EDSA subway can be named ‘Mabuhay Metro Line 1’ to signify a resurgent Philippines,” said Eduardo Yap, governor- incharge for MAP traffic, transportation and infrastructure committee.

For planners and prospective proponents to focus on EDSA, the group said a presidential executive order would be helpful.

The Department of Transportation has started the subway ball rolling by floating the revival of the previously planned east- west oriented subway traversing under EDSA to serve Taguig BGC, Ayala Center and MOA in Pasay as one of the possible lines to comprise the Metro Manila subway system.

“Mass transit linking these three bustling growth nodes makes good sense. In the review of the viability of this line, the low ridership count may be a factor to consider. An added challenge is the thorny legal issue of subterranean rights under the many private properties that the line, by necessity, have to be traversed,” it said.

In August last year, MAP released its ‘EDSA Dream Plan’ which among various other recommendations called for a commuter subway under EDSA.

According to MAP, the subway will provide the most efficient mass transit to complement the MRT3 without causing disturbance to the above-ground environment.

“At the same time, it will afford the opportunity for government planners to follow progressive green and more pedestrian- friendly urban development practices abroad. This long and major EDSA road artery, currently noisy, heavily polluted and chaotic, can be transformed into a model that our country and people can be proud of and enjoy,” MAP said.