New rail lines to solve traffic—Sec. Bautista

Big ticket railway projects are seen to solve the country’s traffic woes once all these rail lines are simultaneously operating, Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said Friday.

“Ang magandang contribution nito [rail projects], it will solve the traffic problem,” Sec. Bautista said.

The transport chief pointed out that the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) System can service at least 1 million passengers, while the MRT-3 line can carry 500,000 passengers daily. On the other hand, the Metro Manila Subway can accommodate 519,000 passengers daily, with the MRT-7 and LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project are expected to 800,000 passengers and 300,000 passengers respectively.

“If we can operate this at this capacity, marami nang hindi magdadala ng kanilang mga sasakyan and it will solve, or reduce the traffic problem,” he explained.

Sec. Bautista, meanwhile, said these railway projects conform to international standards from safety, comfort, and accessibility.

“Yang mga bagong railway projects natin these are PWD-friendly, friendly for seniors. ‘Yung safety features nito will be very different from our existing lines,” he said.

“Basta it will be very friendly sa lahat ng passengers. ‘Yung accessibility niya ay part of the design,” he added.