Senators want more railways, but transport crisis doesn't end — or start — there, expert says

Commuters wait on the platform of the Light Rail Transit-Line 1 (LRT1) Doroteo Jose Station in Manila for a train on January 29, 2022.

The STAR / Miguel de Guzman

MANILA, Philippines — Amid Metro Manila’s commuter crisis, legislators are looking at more rail lines to “move more people instead of cars,” but transport experts and advocates said rail lines aren’t the only way to do that — especially in the middle of a crisis.

In a privilege speech earlier this week, Sen. JV Ejercito said that the railway system in the country has the potential to serve as the “backbone of the economy.”

“On the ground, this means long lines in terminals, congested roads. The Filipino commuters suffer the consequences of an inefficient transport system,” Ejercito said as he went on to the economic developments the proposal could bring.

Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/12/2202227/senators-want-more-railways-transport-crisis-doesnt-end-or-start-there-expert-says