Putting the past away

It’s been five years since Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade assumed office. And with one more year left for the present administration, Tugade reminds us of the problems facing the DOTr five years ago.

During the virtual “Sulong Pilipinas” 2021: Partners for Progress: A Pre-SONA Economic Development and Infrastructure Clusters Forum, Tugade said: “I remember fully well when we were only starting to take on the challenge five years ago. The Filipino people have pinned their hopes on the new administration then – with eyes intently and critically watching us on what we would do next.”

He recalled the many derisive tags that describe the sorry state at the Land Transportation Office (LTO), EDSA traffic, rail transit: “Republikang Walang Plaka,” “EDSA Carmageddon,” and “MRTirik.”

Tugade then touted how the DOTr is putting that sorry past away with progress the DOTr achieved over the past five years.

The LTO is now issuing new driver’s license plastic cards that are valid for five years and has distributed more than three million motor vehicle plates, he said.

Even while the country is struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic, the DOTr continues to make progress with initiatives to establish a more efficient, safe and rationalized mass transportation system.

Tugade cited as examples the establishment of the EDSA Busway and the 296 kms of bike lanes complete with pavement markings, bollards, and solar studs. Plans call for completing 535 kms of bike lanes in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao before the year ends, he added.

The DOTr secretary also announced that the massive MRT-3 rehabilitation will be completed by December this year. Already, MRT-3 trains run at 60 km/h, waiting time between trains has been lowered to 3.5 minutes, and an alltime high of 23 operational trains have been achieved, he said.

Early on the administration put priority in the development of rail transport natiowide and Tugade cited the progress in this sector.

The construction of the Metro Manila Subway, the country’s first underground railway system, is underway. Tunnel Boring Machines have been acquired and tunnelling with soon begin.

Also progressing rapidly to completion are the LRT-1 Cavite Extension, the Manila to Clark Railway, and the MRT-7. Scheduled to be inaugurated is the LRT-2 East Extension while the Common Station is expected to be partially operable before the year ends.

The Mindanao Railway Project is closer to reality after it has been approved by NEDA board.

At the end of his presentation at the forum, Tugade said: “With barely a year left before we step down, we will exert all efforts to finish what we have started, fulfill what we have promised, and deliver what we have envisioned.”

SKYWAY BUSWAY

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) CEO & president Ramon S. Ang unveiled plans to establish a Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT) on the Skyway.

He said that as early as 2017, SMC was already considering a bus rapid transit system on the Skyway as a means to further decongest traffic in Metro Manila and transform the commuting experience of many Filipinos.

The BRT system will utilize the Skyway for buses that will function like trains stopping only at designated stations. The goal is to establish a BRT system from Susanna Heights in Muntinlupa to Balintawak, towards the North Luzon Expressway.

Ang added that this is all part of a grand plan to use the Skyway and other elevated expressways to divert and take away a significant number of vehicles from major atgrade roads such as EDSA and C-5.

“Our expressways are really designed not just for motorists, but also to serve as a platform for efficient and sustainable mass transportation,” he said.

SOJITZ G’S NEW CHIEF

It’s bon voyage for Sojitz G Auto Philippines (SGAP) president and CEO Mikihisa Takayama who is leaving the country to take up a new assignment in Sojitz Corporation in Tokyo, Japan.

He leaves SGAP in the hands of Yosuke Nishi who has been promoted from executive vice president to president and CEO.

Under Takayama, SGAP established a good presence for the Geely with the great success of the Coolray as well as the Azkarra and the Okavango.

Nishi may be best man to replace Takayama at the head SGAP. It is now revealed that Nishi worked as an executive in an automotive sector in the Philippines from 2012-2018, and is instrumental in bringing the Geely brand to the country.

“Since I am really fascinated by the Filipino culture, I wanted to come back to the Philippines.

And during my short stay in Japan, I had been visiting the Philippines for the preparation of the establishment of SGAP. I have worked on getting an approval from Sojitz to establish the Geely business,” Nishi said.

“Since SGAP, the Geely business in the Philippines, is my baby, I felt the need to grow it together with our customers and business partners. I want to assure everyone that SGAP/ Geely Philippines can give the best services and experiences to the customers,” he added.

FORD RULES

Ford Philippines reports selling 1,273 units of the 4x4 Ranger pickups in the first quarter of the year, cornering a market of 40% of the segment.

It also reports selling 1,715 units of the Ford Territory in the first three months of the year, claiming a 54% share of the small SUV segment for the quarter.

“We are off to a strong start this year and we thank our dealers for their partnership and our customers for their trust and support. The Ford Ranger remains as one of the popular pickups in the market today and we take pride in having the widest lineup of trucks to complement today’s needs and lifestyles,” said Ryan Lorenzo, Ford Philippines marketing and field sales operations director.

“The Territory continues to resonate with more Filipino customers who look for a stylish, smart, and safe SUV,” he added.

T-CROSS ARRIVES

Volkswagen Philippines said the initial batch of T-Cross units has arrived and is being processed at the port.

The T-Cross units are expected to be at VW dealerships and ready for turnover to early bird buyers by May 26, Volkswagen added.

Volkswagen said those who reserve the trendys subcompact SUV now and until May 26, can avail themselves of a P30,000 discount on the introductory prices of the T-Cross.

That means one can own the T-Cross 180 MPI AT S for just P1.068-million and the T-Cross 180 MPI AT SE for just P1.168million. Happy Motoring!!! For comments & inquiries email sunshine. television@yahoo.com or visit www. motoringtoday.ph.