2 new train systems planned

Two train systems—one connecting Metro Manila to Clark Special Economic Zone and another linking the central business districts of Makati, Taguig and Pasay—are expected to be operational before the end of the Aquino administration’s term.

Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) president and chief executive Arnel Paciano Casanova said the BCDA was now in talks with the Department of Transportation and Communications for the implementation of these projects.

Both rail projects, Casanova said, were part of BCDA’s plan to synergize special economic zones in Luzon and, at the same time, decongest some high-traffic areas in the metropolis.

Casanova clarified that the proposed line connecting Metro Manila to Clark was not the Northrail line, a project that was started during the Arroyo administration and was now being hounded by controversy due to alleged anomalies.

Casanova said existing shuttle buses were not enough as these still took too long to reach Clark. A railway line could transport passengers from Metro Manila to Clark in as short as 45 minutes.

BCDA chairman Felicito Payumo said that should the Northrail project proceed, this could solve the cargo and commuter needs of Central Luzon. This, however, is not the answer to the fast airport connection that is needed between Metro Manila and Clark.

Another railway line should be built for this purpose, he said, possibly following the alignment of the North Luzon Expressway in the north and the Philippine National Railways alignment in the south.

The government could either make this a public-private partnership project or accept unsolicited bids, Payumo said. If this particular train line would employ a new technology or a new concept, bids could be unsolicited, subject to certain conditions.

The planned monorail loop connecting the Makati, Taguig and Pasay central business districts could be a straight PPP, as this did not need any new technology or concept, Payumo said.

Payumo said the existing Light Rail Transit Line 1 and Edsa Metro Rail Transit 3 could also connect to this proposed monorail system.—Abigail L. Ho