AFTER so much fanfare and positive outlook over an ambitious 11-kilometer intra-city subway, the Makati City government hinted at junking the $3.7-billion project that is supposed to be completed next year.
According to Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, the Makati Subway Project which stretches from EDSA-Ayala to the University of Makati, is “probably not meant to be.”
“Hindi na siya magiging intra city kasi iba ng city yun eh. Parang ‘di tinadhana,” said Binay, adding that the idea of shortening the subway route may not be an economically viable option.
“There’s supposed to be 10 stops hanggang Ospital ng Makati. Hindi na siya economically viable kung gagawin kong limang stop na lang. Sa economies of scale, malulugi,” she said.
Developer May Pursue
The local chief executive however said that the project developer – Philippine Infradev Holdings, may still submit a new or reworked project proposal considering the losses it has already incurred.
“It will really depend on the private proponent if they will submit a new one. Nasa sa kanila yun kasi, una, sila yung nalugi kasi ang laki na ng nailabas nilang pera. They already started excavating and purchasing properties,” she added.
Philippine Infradev Holdings, the private sector proponent, earlier disclosed that the alignment of the subway may no longer be feasible since the location of the planned depot and a few stations would now be under the jurisdiction of Taguig.
Binay Goes For E-Buses
With the subway project on the sideline, Binay hinted at looking into other transport projects to help solve the traffic problem in the city and to provide commuters with an affordable means of transportation.
For now, she said the city government is focused on implementing the Smart Bus Transport system, a $12 million electric bus project funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency.
“Forty electric vehicle buses will be deployed within the city. Hopefully we’ll be procuring more electric buses. Ang gusto ko kasi sana magkaroon ng shuttle system yung aking mga eskwelahan,” she said.
“So kunwari from University of Makati, parang point-to-point hanggang Bangkal, yung border ng Pasay tsaka Makati. O kaya yung border ng Manila tsaka Makati. Yun yung plano naming gawin para matulungan din yung mga estudyante na ang napapansin ko, yung baon, napunta lang din sa pamasahe,” added Binay who is expecting the project to be operational by early next year.
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